The Blackwell 6

long journey

2009-08-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

ok, so after being reminded over and over and over that i have not blogged in FOREVER...i am here. again. its been a long journey from Kansas to our new home in San Antonio, but we are here and happy to be here. The house is still a wreck, i still have stuff to put away, and lots of paint still needs to go on the walls (because some knucklehead decided to paint every wall in the house with flat paint...they must not have kids with dirty little hands.) so, little by little it is coming along, someday i will finish, most likely about the time its time to move again. that seems to be the way. The kids have made friends in the neighborhood and play outside most of the day...they start school next monday. :0)....that is my happy face!

Almost Home

2009-06-13T12:11:00.001-07:00

Well, the girls and i made it to TX. We had quite a journey! Some good, some bad like getting my Credit card number stolen and having to cancel our credit cards in the middle of a move (which is NEVER good) having our loan documents show up at the wrong address...twice, Alleah getting strep and having to take her to urgent care and get her antibiotics...but despite all the madness we finally got our house...well sort of (we close on the 25th of June) The inspection went great and we are just waitng to close. We will miss the friends we made in Kansas but were definitly not sad to leave there. It wasnt a fun year, thats for sure. We are excited to settle for a few years and have a house of our own to do whatever we want to. Anyway more to come and pictures too!

House hunting

2009-03-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Of course when we were in TX for Grandpas funeral we decided to take a road trip down to San Antonio. We met up with our Agent and looked at some houses, and of course we found one that we absolutly love. We put a bid up and hoped for the best. We found out it is a short sale home (pre forclosure) So its tied up in the baloney that goes on at banks as of late. they denied our first offer so we resubmitted....and then.....we wait. i hate the waiting game. drives me nuts. we are hoping to hear this next week, if they turn us down again (which we hope they dont) we will go back in a week and start all over. We love this house and allready consider it ours, which i know is totally rediculous...but its everything we need and want in a house and a fantastic area. it is brand new, never been lived in on a 1/4 acre in a new subdivision. keep your fingers crossed!

Blanco TX

2009-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful that i was able to go to Texas for Grandpas funeral. Not that funerals are a good time, but in a way it was. i think we were all just relieved that grandpa was finally at peace and with his sweetheart and son that have been waiting for so long. And of course its always a hoot when you get my dad and his brothers together and Devin and Shawn (cousins) have definitly carried on the Crazy McClellan Boys tradition of well.....hhhmmmm....that would take a whole nother post! It was SO great to see everyone. Keri and Maren.....

Me and Little Amilynne

Mom and Dad McClellan

Devin, Shawn, Keri, Me and Amie

Man, what a homely bunch at a funeral.....

more Cakes

2009-03-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

snowboarding yoda anyone?

Happy Birthday Dr Suess

2009-03-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Sariah is in Drama at her School (imagine that) since this is the month of Dr Suess' birthday they do a play in honor of his work. Sariah was the girl who found the trufula seed in the Lorax. It was a very cute play and the kids all did a great job. they performed for the elementary schools on several days and then had their final performance for the families and community last night. I helped her do her makeup and hair to be Dr Suess-ish and we were off! When she got to the school she found her Tutu that anut Keri made her was missing, some meaner decided they needed it more apparently. She was VERY sad but did a great job improvising her costume..although not to happy about it. She is growing up way to fast!!

A Chef in the making....

2009-03-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Zach always wants to help in the kitchen, i think he will take after his dad and be an awesome cook! He wanted to make his own pancakes and did a great job! i think the home depot apron must of helped to!

Finger Painting Fun

2009-03-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

We decided to let Alli try her hand...or fingers at Finger painting. She had a blast, made a huge mess as usual but created beautiful works of....blobs!

just in case you forgot how FAT she was....

2009-01-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

Alleah...

pictures...

2009-01-01T21:39:00.001-08:00

dont ask why they are side ways...i dont know...they were right when i put them up and in my folder...but end up this way...just turn your head sideways...or your screen...

After...

2009-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

moving to her room on the ward. So sad....such tiny little hands for such a big nasty needle!

She shove it down super fast then asked for more!

gimme some JELLO!

just got to recovery...still really groggy...

She was such a trooper...she had every nurse in that hospital ooing and awing...because she is so cute...this is the story of her life...every where we go! She came out of the Operating room sipping on some apple juice (which they were really surprised...i guess most kids refuse it) she was pretty groggy and really pale but not long aftr we got to the recovery ward she decided she wanted some jello...and a slushy...and more juice...then when they moved us to her room she was "hungry" and we ordered her some pancakes and eggs. The nurses were all very suprised at how well she was doing and eating...so we asked if we could go home instead of staying the night like the doctor wanted (figured it couldnt hurt to ask!) so they called one of the doctors down and he cleared her to go...SO we went home. she is doing great...as long as we keep her full of pain meds...we have had a few rough hours here and there, but for the most part she is good. Thank goodness for the preisthood...we are greatful!

Alleahs surgery....Before....

2009-01-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

on her way to surgery....In her very own wagon that she probably doesnt remember because she was so loopy from the drugs they gave her to "calm her"

Protesting...

trying to keep her entertained and "happy"...worked for about....30 seconds.

Alli has had strep throat about 6 times this year...poor kid, she is on antibiotics every other month. So we finally got her in to see a pediatric Ear, nose and throat specialist at Childrens Mercy hospital in Kansas City...SHe was fantastic. The minute she looked in Alli's throat she said "Yeah....those really need to come out. they are huge!"...she was healthy when we took her in. Her tonsils are so big when she DOESNT have strep that they almost touched so you can imagine what they looked like sick!

Its a beautiful thing....

2009-01-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

most of you know that i do pretty awesome cakes...well my

poor little kitchen aid that i had just wasnt cutting it...she just wasnt strong enough to carry the heavy loads i would place on her...SO....she had to be replaced...by a new "professional" one... Oh happy day. it is fantastic....i havent named it yet...i will let you know when i do.

...NOW, I am officially the meanest mom on the planet...LOL

2009-01-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

this was a few months ago when Sariah was getting her braces on. I couldnt resist, and the Orthodontist "restrained" her while i took the picture....LOL

SNOW Marshmallow...

2008-12-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

it snowed lots so we got to go outside and play...Alleah is having surgery so we wanted

to make sure she stayed warm and well so we bundled her up good....so good she looked like a pink marshmallow...she could harldy walk she was so bundled...but she is warm!

Gingerbread house

2008-12-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Grandma Sandy and Papa Donnie came for Christmas...we saved a fun project for grandma...GINGERBREAD house! FUN! they all seemed to have great time and it sure was cute when

it was finished! of course it was one of those pre-made kits with all the fun stuff included...so it definitly wasnt edible....in fact that sucker was hard as a rock...but fun and cute none the less.

Baby stealer

2008-12-23T18:10:00.001-08:00

Yes, i am still a baby stealer. Any of you that know me really well...know that is just the way its gonna be.

In Germany, when Alli was old enough to go to nursery, I had a hard time sitting still so i went in search of a baby to steal to keep me busy and moving...it was Micheal...he is so stinkin cute...i sure miss holding him in sunday school and relief society. SO here in Kansas i have found another baby to steal...this is Sara...she is my neighbors (the laundry elf) daughter. We live in a duplex and share a common room between our basements, so when it is cold outside we just go to eachothers houses through the basement. Today i went over and stole Sara...played with her for a while and then put her to sleep and held her while she slept...much to her moms dismay....she says i spoil her and she will want to be held when she sleeps if i keep it up....hhhmmmm i wonder if this is what grandkids will be like....I love stealing other peoples babies...i am SO not having anymore, but it is fun to get my baby fix from someone elses and then give em back when they get fussy!

Jeffs cake.....

2008-12-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JEFF!! my very best friend in the world turned old today...;0) i am so glad that i have him. i think i will definitly keep him for many more years to come.

My Grandpa

2008-12-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

this is my Grandpa...Many of my great childhood memories are with him...we would spend many summers in Colonia Juarez Mexico at Grandma and Grandpa McClellans house. He would take us to his apple orchards and tell us about the trees, take us for rides on the tractors and help us hunt for "our tree" (each of us kids had an apple tree that had a "bracelet" with our name and birthdate on it, it was our tree...) he showed us how to ride four wheelers and we had a great time! He would drive us into Casas Grandes to the tortilla factory and buy us fresh corn tortillas that we would have polished off before we made it back to grandpas house...he never forgot the salt! He always has a good supply of mazipan candy and sodas for us to sugar up on before he sent us home. But my favorite times...when we played beauty shop...he was such a great sport. He would sit happily as we put curlers in his arm hairs, his eyebrows, and his hair...and while we applied "make up" (water) with paint brushes. Grandpa always sat patiently while we put on puppet shows, dance recitals, and gynastics and thought we were the greatest. I love him, He is sick. he is old. 98 i think. He is dying. he has wanted to go for a long time, grandma died 5 or 6 years ago. he just wants to be with her. the selfish part of me wants him to stay...so we dont have to mourn him, and be sad. But i also want him to go, to be with grandma, to be healthy again, and happy. so he isnt in pain anymore. Soon he will join grandma, my heart is sad, and happy at the same time. I love him. and i will miss him. this picture was in June when we got back from Germany and visited TX for a month. I am so glad i got to see him then.

Stinky armpits....

2008-12-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

Jeff walked by Zach earlier (mind you Zach had just gotten out of the shower) and got a wiff of Z's armpits....

this is how it went:

Jeff: Zach, I think we need to get you some deoderent for those smelly armpits of yours...

ZAch: NNOOOOOO!!!!!! I am saving my stench for Auntie AMie when she comes....NO DEODERENT! they have to be super smelly for her..she likes them that way....

Ty: Yeah but she says if she smells yours...you have to smell hers...

Zach: I know..thats why my have to be SUPER stinky for her!

Explanation...this became a ritual between my sister amie and the kids...she would tease and say she would make them smell her pits...Zach liked it...smelling pits that is...

by the way..this picture of zach is from several years ago!

Say ~CHEESE~

2008-12-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

I have cute kids....;0)

Thanksgiving with Grandma and Papa Miller

2008-12-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

We drove to Oklahoma Wednesday night before thanksgiving to spend the weekend with Grandma and Papa Miller. They cooked for an Army as usual and did a fantastic job. They worked their tails of (and we are ever so grateful...) until they were just plum tired out....I am sure they need a vacation from our vacation...

The "Squad"

2008-12-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

Of course i am a little biased...but mine is the cutest of them all....

ANGRY LITTLE ELF...

2008-12-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

I guess its not the elf thats the "angry" one...its the Elf making the other one Angry! These girls of mine are so silly!

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

2008-12-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

We had our annual "tree and house decorating" party last night. Man what a mess. We had lots of fun...got all the "pretties"out and all around. Its very festive in our little hovel now!

Military Wife

2008-11-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

Each one may look different and each one is wonderfully unique, but this they have in common:
Lots of MOVING, MOVING, MOVING, MOVING far from home, MOVING two cars, four kids, and one dog---all riding with her of course. MOVING sofas to basements because they don't fit in THIS house, MOVING curtains that wont fit, MOVING jobs and certifications and development hours, MOVING away from old friends, MOVING towards new friends, MOVING her most important luggage, her trunk full of memories.
Often WAITING, WAITING, WAITING, WAITING for housing, WAITING for orders, WAITING for deployments, WAITING for phone calls, WAITING for reunions, WAITING for the new curtains to arrive, WAITING for him to get home for dinner, again.
They call her the military dependant, but she knows better: She is fiercely IN-dependant, She can balance the checkbook, handle the yard work, fix a noisy toilet, bury the family pet... She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts, She can file the taxes, sell a house, buy a car, or set up a move---all with ONE power of attorney. She welcomes neighbors who don't welcome her. She re-invents her career with every PCS (permanent change of station)Locates a house in the desert, the Arctic, or the deep south and learns to call them all "home"
Military wives are somewhat hasty, they leap into: decorating, leadership, volunteering, churches, careen alternatives, and friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people. Their roots are short but flexible. They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military wives quickly learn to value each other. They connect over lunch, rely on the spouse network, accept offers of friendship and favors, record address in pencil...
Military wives have a common bond, the military wife has a husband unlike other husbands, his commitment is unique He doesn't have a JOB, He has a MISSION that he can't just decide to quit, He's on call for his country 24/7. But for her he's the most unreliable guy in town. His language is foreign: PCS, TDY, OPR, BDU, ACU, TAD, and so his wife is a translator for his family and hers. She is the long distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.
A military wife has her moments: she wants to dye his uniform pink, wring his neck and refuse to move to Siberia, but she pulls herself together, give her a few days, a hot bath, a travel brochure, a pledge to the flag, a wedding picture, and she goes. She packs, She moves, She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man who puts duty first, longs to deploy, salutes the flag, and whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her military husband, She will remain his military wife.
I love my MILITARY MAN!

LICE...

2008-11-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

yes, i said lice. SO nasty. Why on earth would Heavenly Father create such a nasty beast. I got a letter from the school a couple weeks ago saying that a child in Tys class had Lice and that everyone in the class should be on the watch for it. Wouldnt ya know it....Ty got lice. makes my head itch just thinking about it. needless to say i spent the better part of yesterday stripping and cleaning beds, doing laundry,vacuuming...over and over and over and treating EVERYONE...yes i mean everyone...with the stinky bug spray shampoo...and then shaving the boys heads...after a thorough check of all the kids heads and Jeffs and mine as well, seems that Ty was the only one graced with the presence of the disgusting little mites. funny thing...when we were kids we used to joke about having "piojos" never knew what that really was until i opened up the "lice treatment kit" to the spanish side....got a good laugh anyway.... anyway...we are lepers for the next couple of days...weeks if you ask my neighbor! I wish you all a great few hours of itching now from reading this! heheheh

Our little artist!

2008-11-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

This is what happens at our house when markers get left out....what pretty pictures! you can see she caught on to the tracing around her hand that i was showing her on paper a few days ago, and her happy faces are coming along quite nicely.

Sleeping beauty

2008-11-15T19:53:00.001-08:00

She is so stinkin' cute...she was playing dress up one night after her bath and insisted on wearing this Christmas dress, this is where she ended up!

Fall fun....

2008-11-15T19:50:00.001-08:00

I was out raking leaves last weekend and the kids decided they wanted to "help".

Help consisted of piling up all the leaves so they could jump in them! They took turns burying each other, it was a lot of fun....alot of work for me but fun for the kids!

Spoiled

2008-11-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

This is Sadie...for those of you that haven't met her yet...she is rotten. She is spoiled....a big (huge) baby...and we love her.

SCary nights...

2008-11-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

We had fun decorating this year (since we didnt get to do it in Germany) We went a little crazy, lots of pumpkins, a fog machine, creepy music , luminarios, even a fire pit...and of course the trusty Tiki torches to keep the mosquitos away. We sat out front with the fire and made smores while we handed out candy. It was a great night....Alli is the bumble bee....

Carving pumpkins

2008-11-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun carving pumkins yesterday....the kids each did their own (except alli) we set up a table outside and some of our neighbors and their kids joined us. We made a lovely mess and we have lots of pumkin seeds almost ready to toast!

Alleah

2008-10-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Alleah at the World War 1 Memorial Museum...a

field trip with Daddies class

YEAH...

2008-10-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

that would be me in the blonde wig....noticed the skinned knees behind the fishnet stockings...that was after i fell down who knows how many concrete steps and damaged myself...yeah. Ended up in the ER about an hour later for an Xray....with me is my neighbor Robin and the Angel Sarah and the Devil Nate...

Allis Prisoner....

2008-10-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

he is handcuffed to her!

Jedi Zach and Duckman Ty

2008-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ty refused to show his face.....hhhhmmmmm

Vampiress

2008-10-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sariah...yikes.

Mismatched mess

2008-10-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Alli..this is TOTALLY her personality...she is a mess. good thing she is so stinkin' cute!

The CAKE

2008-10-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

ok...here it is....(for those of you who keep buggin me!) this is the cake i made

for the YW/YM standards night a few weeks ago...

Schools continued....

2008-10-28T15:11:00.001-07:00

Wow...horrible week last week. I finally just got fed up with Zachs teacher when he came upset one afternoon because she told him if his handwriting didn't improve she was going to make him write in cursive again....DUH. His handwriting will probably always stink and that is one of the things we already discussed with her. Any way, long story short...i went to the principal who was already concerned about the situation and she moved him to another class. Friday i got a call from the bad teacher..she was flat NASTY. I ended up hanging up on her...and again calling the principal to tell her some of the horribly un-PC things she was spewing. about other teachers, Jeff and I parenting and many other rotten things. Most of you that know me well enough know that I don't take things like that lightly. Needless to say, she will most likely NOT be working in this school district next year. She picked the wrong mama bear to try and Bully (like she does her students!)

Brooke

2008-10-22T07:04:00.001-07:00

Brooke is SO very sweet. She quickly became "my" girl when i hung out at uncle jeremys house. She would sneak up on my with hugs around my legs and anytime i sat down she was sure to find my lap. I wish i were closer to everyone so i could see them more often...i have to keep up my "Favorite Aunt" status you know!

The Princesses

2008-10-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

These are 3 of my 5 (and one on the way) nieces..from left to right....Jayna, Ana, and Brooke.

I went to Las Vegas for Jacksons blessing and we had Olivias 2nd birthday party while i was there...i had to buy them ALL something so i thought Tiaras and jewlery were fitting...and they were a HUGE hit! they loved them...they all walked around for days with thier tiaras and necklaces and pretty rings...it was so much fun!

Schools....

2008-10-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

So i am trying to figure out (and by all means if you have allready figured it out...please enlighten me!) why schools have to make things SO difficult for children with certain disabilities to learn. As most of you know Zach was diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder) a few years ago...he has done fine (with medication) up until this year, he started to really struggle in school, getting D's and F's. He was devastated to see those grades! so we went to his teacher to try and figure some things out...to help Zach and to be sure that she understood the extend of issues that kids with ADD have...She was great *on paper* about making certain accomidations for him...easy ones....like moving him to the front of the classroom near her desk...shortening homework assignments and tests...etc. Of course none of this actually happened...and in the mean time we took him to see a Psycologist to see if his diagnosis is really what it is...Yes, it is...and then some. Not only does he have ADD he is ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) which we were not suprised at all, Zach is an awesome kid, very kind, compassionate and mostly happy. He is also somtimes very emotional, antagonistic and alot of times spacey! (only when he doesnt take his meds and is in certain environments) anyway longer story short it was reccomended that we seek an IEP (individual education plan) for him. We ended up in the principals office in a meeting with his teacher and principal to come up with a plan to help zach. We finally have a legal binding document that requires the school to make certain accomidations (all the ones we originally requested as well as others...) for him with out segrigating him or making him feel different. He doesnt need special education, he just needs a little extra help and attention...i am certianly not entirely pleased with his teacher this year, She seems to have good intentions but doesnt follow through, Which is absolutly imperative with kids with ADD/ADHD.
anyway...i guess i am "THAT MOM" at the school here...the one they hate to see coming...but i will forever be "that mom" when it comes to my kids...because they are the most important...and if i dont fight for them WHO will? just on a footnote...Ty has recently been diagnosed with ADHD , OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and anxiety issues...the fun times get better!!

RETREAT!!!

2008-09-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just kidding...it wasnt like that! This weekend Jeff and I and the kids went to Topeka for an ARMY sponsored marriage retreat....all expenses paid....it was fantastic. Jeff and I have been married 11 years now, and when he signed up to go we both felt a little bad because there are so many more that could definitly use it more than us...We ARE happy. Not just for pretend, but for real! It was a good time for reflection, to remember the hard times that got us here today...because there were definitly some very unhappy couples there, with serious issues that seeped from their just being there, sadly all they had to do was be there for me to see the pain and troubles they have in their marriage. It made me sad, that everyone cant have what *I* have, what Jeff and I have. But it also made me grateful, for our trials and for the knowledge that we have that we will be together for eternity...I love him with every fiber of my being, and i am excited to be with him for that long!
It was an awesome weekend, it was good to just get away and spend time together. The Chaplain that did the seminar was awesome, the Childcare provided was great, the kids had so much fun! They took them miniature golfing, swimming and to the movies. They did tons of fun crafts and of course played lots of vidoe games. I sure Love my little family!

Potty training and morning presents....

2008-09-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Alli is a night owl...she doesnt go to sleep most nights before 11 or 12. stinks to be us...i know. Anyway the only good thing about it is that sometimes she will sleep in till 9 or 10 and so i go back to bed after getting everyone off to school. This morning was just one of those great mornings, i climbed back into my cozy warm comfy bed and drifted back to sleep....only to be awoken a few hours later by a poopy diaper in my face...one that wasnt where it should be....ie ON HER BUTT! she had obviously pooped her diaper and taken it off and was coming to show me. no more slumber for me! I had to get up an throw her in the tub before my bed turned into a big poopy mess like hers was...yeah. good times. Gross.

Zach and Ty

2008-09-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Zach and Ty wanted a video of their own after seeing Sariahs on here....so here ya go! just ignore all the laundrey that needs to be folded in the background! ;0) if you scroll down the page to the sound mixer on the left hand side (green box) you can pause the music and hear the kids better!

Sariah cheer video

2008-09-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sariah is in the very back in the middle. She is so cute. I think i will keep her!

This is where we find him on most mornings...

2008-09-25T14:10:00.001-07:00

Ty has a hard time sleeping at might sometimes...and has gotten better about not waking us up in the middle of the night, so this is where we usually find him in the morning...poor Sadie has to share her bed!

"MOM!!! I can see!!"

2008-09-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Zach got his new glasses today, he was very excited because i got him the "transition" lenses, so they get darker when he goes into the light...He seems to be excited to wear them and ecspecially excited that he can see!! He is so handsome!

Why is LIFE so crazy?

2008-09-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

i keep asking myself why life seems to nuts around here. I try my best not to over-schedule myself but inevitably something comes up and someone has to be somewhere or needs an appointment for one thing or another. Some days i think i should have a room at the Health clinic (the past 2 weeks it has been the dentist instead) with our name posted in big bright red letters "BLACKWELL FAMILY SICK ROOM" between the kids and i, we are at some kind of "office" at least 3 times a week. Its madness. Of course when you throw all the sports (cheerleading, gymnastics, football, soccer)in there...jeffs included...WOW and dont forget YW and scouts! . I have decided i should weigh 20 lbs less with all the "running around" i do...Life is GOOD. If it seems like i am complaining it is actually the opposite, i am happy that my family is active (although i could do without the sickness) and that we stay busy. I love being a MOM (although somtimes it would be nice to have super powers so i could be in 5 different places at the same time!)

TY

2008-09-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

funny thing is....he is ALWAYS this dirty.

Grandpa McClellan

2008-09-21T20:54:00.001-07:00

I was so glad we were able to go see grandpa while we were in TX. He wasnt really sure who all these crazy kids running around were but he seemed happy to see all of us and just to know that we were family. Sure hope we get to see him again soon....

UH....who said her hair isnt RED???

2008-09-21T20:53:00.001-07:00

can you say LIONS MANE? alli has awesome hair!

Alleah

2008-09-21T20:33:00.001-07:00

DO I REALLY NEED TO EXPLAIN?????

2008-09-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Oma Heuther

2008-09-21T20:29:00.001-07:00

Oma Heuther....i was her visiting teacher and Jeff was her home teacher in Germany. She actually wasn't even in our ward, she belonged to the German Branch but her husband (who was killed in WWII) was an American and I think that she liked the connection with the Americans through our ward. We were SUPER worried about visiting her at first because the previous people who visited her told us she was difficult and that she really didn't like anybody. WRONG! She is one of the sweetest, yet orneriest old women i have ever met. We adored her and she adored us. She loves our children and looked forward to our visits. She was often ill and would call and ask for a blessing and for us to come and visit and sometimes i wonder if her illnesses were fabricated to generate visits. I am pretty sure she was losing her mind, as she would call often and be upset that we hadn't visited in a "long while" when it had only been a week, and sometimes she would call and say that we had promised to come and never showed up...She was great. We think of her often.

Making Pie

2008-09-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Alli likes to help and be up in the middle of Anything that i am doing. This picture was taken in Germany when we were in lodging waiting to come back to the states. I was making Chicken Pot Pie and Alleah decided that she needed to make her own pie. I learned along time ago not to argue with her....isnt that suppose to be the other way around? Any way she had a great time and made a huge mess. She loves to "cook"!

Sundays

2008-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Sundays are really rough around here. Most Sundays one of the kids complains of a stomache ache, a headache, a runny nose, a cough...(the list goes on and on... )to try and get out of going to church. of course all of the "ailments" go away as soon as we are at church and everyone has a great time once they get to their classes and we always get a full report on what they learned on the way home. A few weeks ago we had a family home evening lesson on tithing and why we pay tithing and why it is important. MAN! try explaining to a 6 year old why it is important to give up some of his well saved money....Tyler must have come up with every reason under the sun to NOT pay his tithing. He had $18 left from his birthday money that he has been saving. We explained to him that 10% of that was only $1.80..."but why do i have to give it to Heavenly Father? I have saved it for so long!" We explained that everything that we have, has come from Heavenly Father, and that when we pay our tithing we will receive blessings and sometimes end up with more than we started but that it was HIS choice whether or not to pay it, that we would not make him. Reluctantly he decided that he WOULD pay his tithing that day, and we helped him fill out his tithing slip and he put his $1.80 in his tithing envelope and took it up to the Bishop. Apparently that Sunday the lesson in his primary class was on....yep, you guessed it...Tithing. All the sudden it became the "cool" thing to do and Ty was SO excited to tell his class that HE had paid his tithing that morning. His teacher went on and on about what a great example Tyler was to his class, and that it was so great that he paid his tithing! Thank goodness for that lesson that day! now he LOVES to pay his tithing and we have to tell him every Sunday that he already paid on that $18 in his wallet, because he keeps wanting to pay on it!

Zach and Football

2008-09-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

When we gave the kids their options for sports this season, Zach chose football over Soccer...I was a little concerned, mostly because i worried he would get frustrated (as he often does) and not ever want to play again. He has never played football and has never really shown interested in watching it on TV and learning either. I had visions of him getting hit by someone or something and crying in the middle of the field...(this happens regularly at practice)
Today was his first game! He had such a great time! he did pretty good, he wasnt really sure what he was doing but he seemed content to just run and pretend! There was only one time that offense was called back in and Zach was nowhere to be found...he was playing in the water fountain about 15 yards away. But all in all, it was a good day. He was happy so I am happy!

My childhood...by my sister amie!

2008-09-18T19:30:00.001-07:00

Fall Rains on Walkway

Many fond and vivid memories are linked to my childhood in the small town of Socorro, New Mexico. One particularly clear memory is that of the warm, fall afternoon rains on Walkway Street. Cars seldom passed down this tattered street. The ground was three feet higher than the asphalt which was cracked and filled with potholes. This street was more gully than walkway. There were no sidewalks in this upper, lower-class neighborhood. Every modest home had at least three children and a pet or two. The landscaping on the dirt and rock banks included every weed imaginable and occasional pet turds.
In mid August, the fall rains began. Along with the rain, came the anticipation and excitement for the activities that lay ahead. My sister and I would sit in front of the sliding glass door listening to the rain beating down on the slab of cement just outside. We would watch and wait for the rain to subside so we could go out and play in the streams the rain had left behind. We dressed in our well-loved bathing suits, faded and tattered with holes in the rear and stomach. Once the rain had stopped, we dashed out the door to the street, or rather gully, which by then was transformed into a rushing stream. There we met our friends and other neighborhood children who were equally as anxious for the festivities and were dressed much the same as we. Children and dogs littered the street. We would run and kick the water, splashing not only ourselves but anyone or anything in our path. Squeals of laughter and howls of delight, from kids and dogs alike, could be heard throughout the neighborhood.
We adored floating styrofoam boats cut from garbage treasures or leaves from our father's fruit trees found in our own backyard. Small pieces of wood were transformed into the Love Boat booked with red ant passengers and cockroach crew. It's a heady thing in a child's mind to condemn unworthy bugs and red ants to certain death, sailing to a watery grave. Anything that would float was fair game. Mother's iris, four o'clocks, and german daisies were torn from their unsuspecting beds were not spared from the savagery. Remnants of this days activity could be found up and down Walkway Street long after the stream was gone. Just visualize the debris.
Our favorite activity was lying in the center of the road where the water ran the deepest. Our human dams diverted the water to new paths creating mud holes to die for, an activity for another day and time. As the warm water flowed over our small frames, our suits were filled with mud and debris which settled in the cracks and crevices of our bodies and went virtually unnoticed until bath time. Still, we were enveloped with pleasure. We were absolutely oblivious to the busy world around us. The world was Walkway Street. It never occurred to us, or any of the neighborhood gang, we could be killed or seriously maimed by a passing car.
I wish that I would have more fully appreciated those days of childhood, when my greatest concerns were so simple. Looking back, life was so effortless, so sweet. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if it were possible to live simply. Wouldn't it be cool to leave work after a tedious day and float ants with friends in the neighborhood, and not feel particularly concerned about the holes in our suits or the location.
When did life become so complex?

Friends

2008-09-18T18:06:00.001-07:00

So i was sitting here looking through all the blogs of my friends that i have acquired in the past few hours and thinking how great it is to have friends. To me a friends is someone who accepts me for who i am, and can definitely laugh and cry with me at a moments notice. There are certainly alot of people that i have met in my life that are friendly acquaintances, but then there are those that i know i can still call after i haven't talked to them for months (because life just gets to busy...you know who you are!) and chat forever about nothing, just because. Then there are the ones who will always be in my life (whether they like it or not) ie my siblings and sister in law, moms and dads...you know ~the family type. The ones that aren't "just my family" but are my friends, the one's i know i could count on for just about anything. All these "friends" family or not, i cherish with all my heart, i am grateful they are in my life and i feel privileged to know them. I am sure i don't tell you all how much i appreciate you and cherish you enough...but i do.

This should make you smile

2008-09-18T07:29:00.001-07:00

This is just his personality...silly goose

The sweetest things

2008-09-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

This morning Ty was having a rough time getting out the door (he had to potty at the last minute) So when he finally got out the door he knew he was almost late for school. I watched (from my upstairs bedroom window) him running through the grass on his way to school and about halfway to school, which for him i am sure seems like a long way he turned around and started running back. I ran down the stairs to meet him at the door, a little irritated because he was now definitly late for school...i opened the door and he said "mom, i forgot to say bye and i love you"
Sweet boy. i sure love him!

What do you remember about us?

2008-09-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

a sweet friend of mine had thison her blog and it looked like fun!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together (jeff or Heidi). It doesn't matter if you knew us a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Garfield

2008-09-17T19:44:00.004-07:00

We got garfield not long after we got to Germany. The kids

really wanted a kitty...we watched the paper for months and found nothing. Ty kept saying he wanted an orange kitty. Jeff finally saw a kitten for sale in one of the papers and we went to pick him up...it was our lucky day! he was orange! whew. So the kids named him garfield and he has remained true to his namesake...fat. lazy. onery. and yes, he even likes pasta.

SADIE

2008-09-17T19:44:00.003-07:00

Sadie is our Great Dane that we rescued while we were in Germany. She is 2 now, She was 86 pounds when we got her (she should have been about 115) and she is about 105lbs now. She is a Huge part of our family...literally. She thinks she is a lap dog and wants to be where we are. The kids climb all over her and i think she loves it? She is rotten like the rest of our kids! (obviously by the picture)

Tyler

2008-09-17T19:44:00.002-07:00

Tyler.

i have to stop and think of all the things i can say about this one! He is definitly his fathers son...the apple didnt fall far from that tree. Talk about a clown! this kid will keep you laughing for days! if it isnt his silly faces its the things he says that come from nowhere. He is 6 now and in 1st grade. He had a rotten kindergarten year so we were a little worried about him this year but he loves his teacher and seems to be having a great time in first grade. He is definitly our most affectionate child, he always has his arms around you, touching or kissing you...that wont always be a good thing i am sure! i keep waiting for a call from his teacher....

Alleah

2008-09-17T19:44:00.001-07:00

Alleah is 2 1/2 now....(wow, a 13 year old and a 2 year old, at the same time! YIKES!) We call her AlliCat, Stinky, alli, and most of all TROUBLE. She is SO much fun, you never know what she is going to say next, and most of the time when she is doing something naughty...she knows it and she will bat her big blue eyes at you and smile her mischievous smile and all you can do is laugh! She is WAY to smart for MY own good...and hers too. Alli loves her brothers...Zach especially because he gives her piggy back rides everyday. she loves to be outside (you can tell by her mosquito bitten legs!) and would rather be naked than have clothes on any day! We love her beautiful red curls...although its not so fun to comb them! last week when we were getting ready for church i was combing her hair as she was running away from me and screaming at me saying "STOP BUGGING ME!!!!"
She is super snugly!

Zachary

2008-09-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Zahary is 10, and SO smart. He is in 5th grade this year and is our math wiz, (sometimes he answers his sisters math questions....which doesnt make her happy!) He started playing flag football this season and seems to be having a great time. Zach is our "thinker" he is always coming up with new things to invent "when he grows up" and never fails to tell us how something might work better if we do it "this way". One day i think he will be a doctor or do some breakthrough research that will change the world!

Sariah

2008-09-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

I never thought a teenager could bring so much joy into my life...but this one does. Sariah is still my angel...my princess...my girl!

She is doing awesome in school, couldnt ask for better grades, and she seems to have chosen a good group of friends here.

Intead of soccer this season she chose to tryout for cheerleading. (much to my dismay). I wasnt really sure if she would make the squad since she is a "soccer player" not a cheerleader...they are a VERY different species you know! but we rooted her on, she tried out and...SHE MADE IT! She is having a great time and again...much to my dismay...she is starting to "move" like a cheerleader. GGGGRRRR. But if you ask me...she is definitly the cutest girl on the squad...i could be a little biased though! Any how, thank goodness she is a good girl, thank goodness she is who she is...I would love her with all my heart...even if she wasnt!

New to this

2008-09-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

So I decided i would try my hand at this blogging stuff...i am definitly not very computer savy but i figure i can e mail, and use facebook, so maybe i can figure this out!
we will see how it goes! I am hoping that this will be easier to keep our friends and family in the loop about whats going on in our lives and ecspecially in the kids lives! so anyway, hope it works!

The Blackwell 6

long journey

Almost Home

House hunting

Blanco TX

more Cakes

Happy Birthday Dr Suess

A Chef in the making....

Finger Painting Fun

just in case you forgot how FAT she was....

pictures...

After...

Alleahs surgery....Before....

Its a beautiful thing....

...NOW, I am officially the meanest mom on the planet...LOL

SNOW Marshmallow...

Gingerbread house

Baby stealer

Jeffs cake.....

My Grandpa

Stinky armpits....

Say ~*CHEESE*~

Thanksgiving with Grandma and Papa Miller

The "Squad"

ANGRY LITTLE ELF...

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

Military Wife

LICE...

Our little artist!

Sleeping beauty

Fall fun....

Spoiled

SCary nights...

Carving pumpkins

Alleah

YEAH...

Allis Prisoner....

Jedi Zach and Duckman Ty

Vampiress

Mismatched mess

The CAKE

Schools continued....

Brooke

The Princesses

Schools....

RETREAT!!!

Potty training and morning presents....

Zach and Ty

Sariah cheer video

This is where we find him on most mornings...

"MOM!!! I can see!!"

Why is LIFE so crazy?

TY

Grandpa McClellan

UH....who said her hair isnt RED???

Alleah

Oma Heuther

Making Pie

Sundays

Zach and Football

My childhood...by my sister amie!

Friends

This should make you smile

The sweetest things

What do you remember about us?

Garfield

SADIE

Tyler

Alleah

Zachary

Sariah

New to this

Say ~CHEESE~