The Shermans

When do I sleep?

2011-12-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

This past 5 months or so have just flown by. Not really sure where they went. I think I may have an idea why....
In the beginning of the summer our family was spending alot of time in hospitals and at the doctors office. My step-mom Lynnell found out she had breast cancer for a second time. There was lots of surgeries and office visits that we went to. For the most part I had to take her because she wasn't able to drive. Then I would also go over and care for her during the day when my dad wasn't home. This was our whole life this summer. But I didn't mind one bit, they needed the help.
During all of this, whenever we were at the hospital I always felt at home. It was an odd feeling. Some people get creeped out, some people say they smell, some people aviod them all together. For me, it feels like home. I have no idea why this is, but I took it as a hint. I decided it was time I went back to school.
Ever since I took a CNA course when I was a senior I wanted to go to school to become an Registered Nurse. Right after high school it wasn't really an option for me. Then a few years later, I tried going to school. We lived in Kingman. I went for a few months, but Jeremy's job paid really well so I decided that I didn't realy need a career. I quit.
A few years later I tried again. But because of earning too much money and some tax issues, we had to pay. So once again, I didn't last too long.
So when I decided last summer to go back to school I did not want to tell anyone. That way if I quit no one would know. But it eventually got out and the world knows.
I qualified for financial aid (thank goodness) so I don't have any excuses. This time we have alot more riding on me finishing. We need one of us to have a job where we feel like an adult. With perks like health insurance, and retirement, and PTO. We have four kids that are getting kinda expensive, so we need me to be successful.
I didn't test very well on the placement exam. So I was put in low classes, low enough that they weren't offered online. I had to drive into Tucson four days a week. I would leave a few hours before Jeremy got home and get back late in the evening. This made for long days for the both of us. Jeremy was pretty much a single date. He had soccer practice for three kids everyday I was gone. He did an awesome job though. I haven't cooked dinner since August, we eat lots of junk. I often ate jerky from a vending machine. When that machine ran out I had to find another one with until my vending machine was restocked. Jeremy and the boys ate lots of frozen pizza, and cheese crisps.
Life didn't stop just because I was in school, we still had evething else to take care of. During last semester I threw two baby showers, and planned my 10 year reunion.
Life is kinda crazy, and I do not see it getting any better, we are just going to have to learn to live in the choas.

Thanksgiving.....

2011-12-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

I was really slacking and didn't take any pictures....I know, it's awful.

This year for Thanksgiving it was Jeremy's family's turn. We all take turns hosting, it goes down thru the line. This time around it was Lanae's turn. Which was a bit tricky since she had just had a baby a week earlier. But it all turned out fine.
We pretty much just ate, and ate and then cleaned up and left.
Jeremy left that same evening to go hunting for the weekend. I on the other hand went home and rested up for some Black Friday shopping.
Then the rest of the weekend was me being mad he wasn't back yet.

Happy Halloween

2011-12-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

I never really got a chance to blog about Halloween. So here it is....

We carried on our usual Halloween tradition, we went to the Trunk or Treat held at the football field at the school. For some unknown reason I just can't stand walking around and waiting while the kids get their candy. So I decorated our truck. It started out just carved pumpkins, and somehow Lynnell and I got carried away. I have a feeling next year will just get bigger.

This was Brinley's first real Halloween. She was here last year but she was only three months old. She a a cat, or as she would kind of say "kitty". It was the cutest little costume. Her tail swayed back and forth when she walked.

The boys all used costumes we already had. I just have such a hard time paying so much money for those cheap costumes. I do not have a problem when they are an actual costume, not just thin material with paint. So Grayson was an army guy, Colby was a lost hiker (I will explain) and Jayden was a skeleton.

The same weekend as Halloween was also my Dad's and brother Nathan's hunt. Jeremy had planned to go out with them, and take the two older boys. They were out there two nights and came back saturday morning. Colby is the dirtiest kid ever. He can take a shower for school, and by the time he leaves his face is dirty. So after two days of no shower, and a soccer game, he was pretty dirty. Then being a boy, he did not want to take a shower even when he could. He was running around in an old boy scout shirt we had, and was wearing his backpack. I told him he looked like a lost hiker, and he just went with it.

The actual day of Halloween was on Monday. I was gone at school so Jeremy took the kids out trick or treating alone. What a good dad! They even went and ate dinner at Wendy's first. Grayson was the die-hard and wanted to keep going. The other kids were done after just a block or two.

All in all we got too much candy and ate it all in just a few days.

Some Random-ness

2011-10-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

I feel at a loss. I take pictures, not as many as I should, and then never do anything with them. They used to get printed and then scrapbooked. But really that takes time and money I do not have. So I thought I would put a few of my favorites up on my blog.

Every baby needs a picture eating spaghetti. Something about all of those noodles on the tray, on their arms, stuck to their face, it just screams cuteness. You might notice the noodles look weird colored. Well I have kids who do not like veggies, so i have to sneak them in any way I can.

This is one of Brinley's FAVORITE things. She loves this car. It was a gift from my cousin Alissa for her first birthday. When we go places we don't usually take the stroller, we take Brinley's car. Jeremy has to do soccer practice alone with the kids while I am in school and he just keeps it in the truck to use at practice everyday. She LOVES this car. Grayson thinks it fun to try to get air over bumps and jumps at the skate park. I am thankful for the seat belt it has, she definitley needs it.

A good hiding spot. But first they have to take out all my bowls to get in. But otherwise a good place to play.

Brinley is in first place for being our best eater. You hand her something, she will eat it no questions asked. She loves most any fresh fruit or veggie.

Happy Birthday Grayson!

2011-10-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Grayson! Nine years old! We just had a small party with cake and ice cream at our house. He didn't get to have a party with his friends because his mean mom did not have time. So we got him a few extra presents.

He wanted a confetti cake, which he frosted. Then Jayden poured orange sugar sprinkles on the corner in a BIG pile. So I shook the cake to disperse them more evenly. Its a one of a kind cake. No duplicates.

Grayson got lots of presents, including a new bike helmet, 2 air soft guns, LOTS of ammo for his new guns (how did eveyone know!?), some camo, a gun case, a movie, money and a game. Really we are not crazy rednecks, he just happened to get alot of hunting stuff. He loved everything! Me, I am too busy playing 5,000 BB pick up to do anything else.

Grayson is a good kid. He is a joy in our lives. He is always quick to thank us for things we do for him. At his party he gave hugs to everyone and said thank you with out us reminding him. He has many friends, he is a good big brother. I am so thankful we have Grayson in our lives and that we are able to be his parents. I hope that in his future he is kind to those around him. That he can stand strong for the things he believes in. That he can be a good example to his family and those around him. That he can make good choices and continue to make us proud!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

We ALWAYS go to Apple Annie's Pumpkin Patch in Willcox, every single year. We have gone maybe 7 times now? It is most definitely a family tradition. It is so much fun to go pick our own pumpkins (even though Walmarts are WAY cheaper).

This year we didn't get as early of a start as we would of liked. We had soccer starting and of course we couldn't miss that. So finally at 11:30 we left for Willcox. We took our annual family picture and hit the fields. We used to limit our kids to only a pumpkin that they could carry, but they keep getting stronger each year so their pumpkins get bigger. Crap! What are we going to do when they are teenagers? (They may not be as into it then....) So we walked the fields being ever so careful not to step on the vines. It was pretty hot so we did not take too long. We got them picked and headed back.

Next up was the Apples Orchard. That is the only fruit Grayson will eat so he is happy to go. Any other fruit he may not be so willing...
I love going every year and spending the time with the ones I love.
(I do not feel like put these in any sensible order, or even commenting on them, they are purely for viewing purposes only)

Brinley was obsessed with Jayden's glasses, she kept them on the whole time.

Jeremy had just got contacts and was still getting used to them. It was too bright for him so he wanted to wear my glasses. I said he looke dlike WIlly Wonka with a beard.

Looking back, WAYYYY back

2011-09-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Grayson's ninth birthday. Wow, nine years already?! For some reason I kept reflecting back to the day Grayson was born. I realized I never really wrote anything down when I scrapbooked his birth. So although it was quite a while ago I thought I would recap alittle, so then Grayson can know the story of his birth.

I was young when Jeremy and I got pregnant with Grayson. Since I was young, I didn't really know the first thing about being pregnant or what to expect. We only knew what we learned from watching the show "Birth Day" on Discovery Health. We were pretty poor and only got three channels, channel 4, channel 11, and Discovery Health. So we watched alot of Birth Day.....and season one of American Idol. We also attended a class at the hospital. I am thankful I never noticed looks from people, because I am sure we got them.

Grayson was an extremely inactive baby. I don't think he moved around like I have felt my others move around. So for this reason I had to go twice a week for non-stress tests. They always made me drink OJ or soda to get him to move. Finally they realized it was because I was not eating enough. Well in the beginning of my pregnancy I could not hardly eat, so the habit carried over to the rest of my pregnancy. So once they told me to eat more often....I got pretty carried away. In one month I gained thirty pounds. No one told me that my metabolism would change after a baby. That the weight doesn't come off automatically. So I gained close to eighty pounds with Grayson.

He still wasn't a big mover, but I guess that was just his personality. Towards the end of my pregnancy they realized I was getting bigger but Grayson wasn't. I was sent for ultrasounds. He wasn't growing anymore. They estimated him to be just over four pounds. So after a week of no growth, the sent me to the hospital to be induced. I was just over 37 weeks. Looking back now, I think I would of fought to stay pregnant longer. I was young and immature and just wanted to not be pregnant anymore. I was willing to go along with whatever they told me just to get him out.

So over to the hospital I went. This was the first grandchild on both sides, so everyone was excited. I got there about 11:00 in the morning. Some after most of our families followed. My room was pretty crowded. Things moved along slowly. They put a gel on my cervix to soften it. And then a few hours later started me on pitocin. At 7:00 that night everyone crowded into my room to watch the show "Friends". It was the season premiere, even the nurse watched it. After the show was over people FINALLY started to go home for the night. Thats when all the exciting stuff happened.

I was finally starting to really feel contractions, and make some progress. While I was waiting I had my sister french braid my hair....into pigtails. So I had pigtails and braces. I was just laying in bed waiting for my epidural when it felt like a ballon popped. Nope it was just my water. It flowed down the bed and onto the floor. And after that I was really feeling my contractions. The nurse got me all cleaned up, more comfortable, so Jeremy went downstairs to get something to eat before stuff closed. I don't know why he was hungry.....I was the one doing all the work. When he was gone the moniters started going crazy. I guess Grayson was not handling labor very well at all. They told me I needed a c-section right away. Someone ran downstairs to get Jeremy and he made it back just before they were ready to take me.

Once I got back to the OR I don't remember much. I only remember being in recovery. There once the anestesia wore off, I started throwing up. Really that has become my recovery tradition, I almost always throw up on someone. Sometimes the nurse, sometimes family, the only time I was not throwing up after a baby was Brinley. By the timeI got back into my room in was pretty much the middle of the night. Then I just slept. I don't remember getting to see Grayson again until early morning. He was five pounds eleven ounces, and born at 9:59pm.

By the time I saw Grayson again I think they had given him a bottle in the nursery. I had specified he was going to be breastfed but I do not think I was very convincing. When I tried to nurse him he would not have anything to do with it. Honestly, I think I could of tried harder. Only once did he nurse, he was about six weeks old. That was the only time. To feed him I pumped and we gave it to him in a bottle. That lasted for almost three months. While we were still in the hospital and I was pumping milk for him, I noticed it had a yellowish color to it. I thought it was that color because I had eaten a whole bag of candy corn.

In the hospital we had LOTS of visitors, mostly family. Some of Jeremy's friends came to visit. I think it was good birth control for them. Since it was my first c-section I did not know what to expect afterwards. I did not get out of my bed for atleast twenty-four hours. I should of been up awhile after the numbness wore off. I did not walk the halls until a whole day after my surgery. I did not know I was supposed to. This made the recovery time much longer I think.

Once we finally got home we were able to fall into more natural roles. We were young, but we knew what Grayson needed and how to care for him. He is a joy in our lives. He helped us learn to become parents.

First Day of School (like 2 months ago...)

2011-09-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am not sure who was more excited for school to start, the kids or me. Its not that I don't enjoy having them at home and spending time together. I want them to go and make friends. To make their own choices. To become their own person.

Grayson is in 4th grade now. This year Mr. Crum is his teacher. It is the first time Grayson has had a male teacher. Grayson has to take his lunch everyday. He is WAY too picky to eat cafeteria food. Grayson is such a smart kid, he just needs to slow down when he does his work. This year he has actual books that he has to bring home to do homework. Sometimes his backpack weighs more then he does. He is getting to be so grown up. He already is asking for a cell phone. Thankfully he isn't too cool to pose for a first day of school photo.

Colby is in 2nd grade. His teacher is Michelle Judd. Colby loves school and was counting down until it started. He also has to take his lunch everyday, just because Grayson does. Colby never wears flip flops to school because he plays soccer everyday at recess. Although this past few weeks they switched over to baseball. He has a very tight group of friends. Its so cute to listen to them talk to one another, sometimes I can't understand any of them. Colby was definietly looking forward to 2nd grade because they are the "big kids" on the playground now.

Jayden started preschool again this year. (Thank goodness) But I was a bad mom and didn't take a picture. He is in Mrs. Jones class and goes two days a week. Everyday when he gets up he asks if he has school today. He is good at making friends st school and always wants to invite them over. I enjoy just those few hours alone with Brinley.

Another person starting school this year was me. Again no picture.....I was going to do one but I forgot. I am starting college. I go to Pima Community College. I suck at online classes, I have tried twice already with online and quickly gave up. So all my classes are in person. I drive to Tucson four nights a week. Yes it is alot of driving, but I enjoy the peace and quiet. We have a teenage girl that comes over to babysit during the gap that I am gone and Jeremy isn't home yet. So far Jeremy is doing pretty good. They aren't always in bed by 8:00 like they are supposed to be, but oh well. We are trying to adjust to having a not-always-clean-house. Not that it was perfect before, but now it takes me most of Friday to get it clean-ish. I am going to school right now just for my basic classes, then when I get all those done I will apply for the nursing program. It may of taken me close to ten years to go to college, but atleast I am trying!

All grown up....(tear)

2011-08-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby girl is one! It seems like just last week we brought her home. Like just last week I cried in the baby section of Target because I finally had my girl. (That really happened...)

I guess I have to get used to having a one year old, but when I finally do she will probably turn two.

Jeremy and I always throw a big party for our kids when they turn one. Brinley was no exception. We had big ideas for what to eat, but ended up just having hot dogs, deviled eggs, chips and Eegee slushies.

Brinley got lots and lots of presents. She got clothes, a Leap Frog cake that sings, a few babies (some kinda creepy) a car we get to push her in and lots of clothes. She was even pretty willing to help open her presents.

Of course there was plenty of cousins and friends that were ready to jump in and help at any time.

Brinleys cake was made by one of Jeremy's best friends' mom. I loved it! She did such a good job. She made it exactly how I asked for it. But a cold cake in a really warm room in August = a sticky mess. You can see the cake was even sweating.

When I went to get decorations for her party I couldn't find anything that I just "loved". But I kept seeing these awesome zebra print napkins. They were so cool. The only thing I could find to go with them was zebra print paper. So I had to get creative and found some great ideas online. I am very happy with how all the decorations turned out.

Those hung from my ceiling for like two weeks. They matched my curtains....how could I take them down?

She didn't blow out her candle. Has any one year old ever done it by themselves? So I had to blow it out for her.

Brinley has been such a joy in our lives. Its amazing how you can miss someone when you have never even met them. She was exactly what our family needed. She has brought out the sweetness in her brothers, and has them wrapped around her finger. I love her to pieces. She amazes me everyday. She is my baby even though she is one now.

Mudda's Day

2011-05-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well another mothers day came and went. We are gradually getting better....or maybe my hopes get smaller each year. This year Jeremy went to the store saturday night instead of the usual sunday morning. (Maybe because we go at 9am) He said it was packed with dads and kids. Apparently he isnt the only procrastinator.
The good thing about having kids in school is they make you presents at school. Yey! Last year I got a visor that said "Best mom" and a necklace that said " I love you". Nice. I dont think anyone got my picture but I did wear them proudly.
But really the holiday isn't about what they got me.....its about them showing their love and appreciation for all I do for them each day. The things that get done that they dont even know about. Like the nights I stay up so their baseball uniforms are clean (ahem.....like right now). They are my children and without them I wouldn't be a mother.

Spring Crafts

2011-04-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

I LOVE spring colors. Not the usual pastels you see in spring, but the pretty bright colors.
I still get together once a week with my good friend Andi to craft. Although we did expand to 3 of us now. These are some of the crafts we have done lately.....

Family Photos

2011-04-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

We went and took family pictures a while back. My sister Jennifer was our photographer, and also edited the pictures.

I love getting alot of pictures taken, but what am I supposed to do with them all? I can't possibly hang up every picture.....I have thought about it but decided not to. So I guess I can put them on here instead, that way they can be seem more often then when our screen-saver slide show puts them up.

Honestly I do watch my kids....

2011-04-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

I really do watch my kids but I do get distracted sometimes. Brinley has started playing with that sroller lately. So of course the boys have been DYING to put her in it. I keep saying no....but they keep asking. So I guess Grayson decided to take advantage of my being distracted and was pushing Brinley all over the house in it yesterday. She thought it was the best thing ever! She was laughing and screaming. When he would stop she would yell at him to start again.

So what did I say when I realized what they were doing? "Grayson! Get her out of there! Wait! Let me take a picture first because its really cute!".....I think it may of sent him mixed signals.

Grayson is an awesome big brother. When he plays the XBOX he sits Brinley next to him and gives her a broken controller to play with. (Might I add the controller is broken because she spit up on it when her let her play with it) He will take her out of her carseat when she is crying because mommy left her in it too long. He gives her cookies and snacks. He loves to carry her around. What a lucky girl to have a big brother that loves her AND will play with her.

Its an Easter miracle!

2011-04-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

I know.....this is REALLY a miracle that I am actually doing a blog a few days after Easter. Can hardly believe it myself. The reason why is because we FINALLY have internet.

We continued our Easter tradition, we went out to Catalina where some of my family lives. We went friday afternoon and stayed until late sunday afternoon. We always have so much fun visiting. The kids are usually exhasted by the time we leave and this time was no exception.

My Aunt Peggy and Uncle Ted put SO much work into Easter and make it special for everyone. The boys were really looking forward to hunting for eggs. My Uncle Ted really knows how to do an egg hunt. He has various money eggs, 3 $20 eggs, some $10 eggs and some $5 eggs. He does 100 $1 eggs....I know because I filled them this year. They do candy eggs, and eggs with numbers where kids get to pick a small prize. Also the kid with the most hard-boiled eggs gets $20. They really put alot of work into this party and I don't think they get thanked enough. Jayden still falls into the 5 and under group so he got a 5 minute head start. He was all business. I guess Jeremy and I coaching him saying "Just grab them and keep going, don't stop to look in them" has really paid off. Colby was bummed because he is now too old for the head start. But still did pretty good coming home with lots of candy, $19, two prizes and a good sugar high. Grayson has been doing this for years....so he needed no coaching. I remember one year he had only gotten a few eggs before he tripped and got a leg FULL of jumping cactus. Poor kid. We had to use pliers to get them out.

This was Brinley's first Easter. So it was my first time buying an easter dress. It was alot of pressure. But I am happy with what I picked out. She spent most of the day being passed from person to person, and occasionally took naps on Jeremy and my cousin Amy. In her basket she got a little baby, a sippy cup, some binkies, a bib and a few pieces of candy.

I am so thankful for my family. I am thankful for Jeremy and all he does for us. For all our children and the joy they bring into our lives. I cannot imagine our life without any of them.

****Grayson said something funny I want to remember. Our hometeacher was over visiting us and gave a short lesson about Jesus, and the tomb being empty on the 3rd day. Then Grayson says, "Oh so he was just faking his death like on Megamind" thank goodness our home teacher has kids and laughed it off.

I am still here!

2011-04-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been really long since I have written on here. So I am going to try harder, not making any promises, but I really need to keep this thing going.

Happy Haunting

2010-10-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

We went to the Trunk or Treat. Had alot of fun. Ate alot of candy. Saw lots of friends and family.

Jayden turns 4

2010-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Jayden turned 4 years old! He is one crazy kid. He is way to smart for his age.
Some facts about Jayden:
He has been riding a bike WITHOUT training wheels since he was 3 years ans 3 months.
He loves monster trucks.
He can do a flip on the trampoline.
He can eat ice cream just as fast as Grayson and Jeremy without getting a brain freeze.
He is a great big brother!
He is pretty popular with the ladies.
He loves going to school and asks to go everyday.
He brings alot of joy into our family.
He is silly.
He gets jokes.
He is not like any other boy in the whole world and we love him tons!

October Pictures

2010-10-31T13:49:00.001-07:00

So my sister in law and I had a great idea. We wanted to put our babies into carved pumpkins and take pictures. We did her baby, Addy first. She was really good and her pictures turned out cute! So we tried to put Brinley in and her legs were to fat! She wouldn't fit. Jeremy suggested getting her legs wet. So I had to settle for sitting her on top. She wasn't too forgiving.

Baptisms and Blessings

2010-10-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well since Grayson turned 8, it was time for his baptism. So we wanted to have his baptism and Brinleys blessing in the same weekend. Grayson shared his baptism with another girl in our ward, Camilla. We got to the stake center after Jeremy rushed me out the door, only to find the font hadn't been filled yet. Whoops. So finally we started about a half an hour late. But it was really nice. The music was perfect. The talks were really good and easy to follow. I know Jeremy was nervous about baptising Grayson but he did a great job. (He wanted the other family to go first so he could see).

When Grayson was confirmed I thought I would cry, but amazingly I didn't! That always happens to me. Thinking about things like that will always make me cry, but when we actually get there I don't! (I am not complaining) Jeremy did a really good job, the things he said were perfect. All except when he said something about Grayson being a good example to his brothers......he forgot to say sister too. Ooops. But it was still really good. I didn't get teary until the closing song.

I think I am becoming a family picture nazi. At every holiday or big event, even Halloween, we take a family picture. I think its because I don't have very many of my family or Jeremy's. And I like to compare year to year and see the changes. Like when we add another baby, or when they start looking like young men, or when they stop looking like babies, or even their awkward preteen years that are going to be here before we know it. They have all figured out its easier to just do what mom says and smile, because she will take it anyway. There was a niece and nephew that were trying to sneak into my picture, they even got their hand into one.

Brinley is our first baby thats had a blessing. We weren't active in church when we had our other kids. Occasionally when one was really sick we had someone step in and give them a blessing. But now Jeremy is able to do that for our family, and I am so proud of him. I know he was nervous....it was a big weekend for him. But once again he stepped up and did a amazing job. My kids are so lucky to have a dad that can do that for them.

I felt alot of pressure in making her headband. I wanted it to be special. I used stretchy ribbon from a store I got while I was pregnant and didn't know what I was having. I knew I would use it for her blessing if it was a girl. I took lace from my wedding dress. And I used the sleeves from the dress I wore when we got sealed. I kept the other sleeve in case we have another girl. So it was pretty special. The dress Jeremy's mother made. Brinley looked so pretty!

For some reason we could not get a good picture that day. In the other ones I was talking or Jeremy was.....oh well not every picture is the best. And I had to make Jayden get dressed in his church again so we could get a picture.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-31T12:02:00.001-07:00

This was our 5th annual trip to Apple Annies Pumpkin Patch and Apple Annies Apple Orchards in Willcox. We love to go pick our pumpkins and apples. We went the first weekend they were open for pumpkins, and were the first ones to get there. Thats probably because we left Benson at 6:30, and got there just before 8:00. We beat the heat and the crowd.....and some of their workers. Yep I don't think they expected customers quite that early. So we took our yearly family photo with the pumpkins. We always try to sit in the same spot so we can compare years. This year we added Brinley to it....we needed more pink. It still looks weird.

The signs say not to let kids handle the apple pickers. They should say some adults shouldn't handle them....like Garrett. (Jeremy's brother) He was messing with his and almost took off Melissa's head! (my sister) We did have to take them away from kids because there was no way we could buy all the apples we picked.

Grayson didn't need an apple picker.....he just climbed up the trees. We kept telling him thats not allowed, but he would see "the perfect apple" and have to get it.

Brinley wasn't a big fan of apples. I guess when you don't have teeth that happens. Maybe next year. Then I will have to stop her from eating rotten ones from the ground.

Wow...look at that handsome guy, and his strong muscles.

Brinley wanted to carpool with her cousin Addy. (Garrett & Rose's baby) We were joking saying they could ride in the same stroller. I didn't think they would fit. But it didn't last long, Brinley cried and Addy didn't know what to do. They look the same size but Addy is 4 months older.

I love that we have these traditions. These are things that every year our kids will know we are going to do. Its really nice that we can spend this time together, and not just with one side of our family. Its a mixture that goes, my family and Jeremy's. We love letting our kids spend time with their cousins and grandparents and strenghten their relationships with them. We hope this continues for years and years!

Grayson turns 8

2010-10-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Grayson,
You turned 8 today (ok last month). You were so excited. You had a countdown. You had pretty big hopes for your presents. YOu wanted Legos, and a new bike, and video games. Well you got your new bike. Daddy found a really nice one on craigslist so we went to tucson to pick it up. We didn't tell you what we were getting, just that we were going for your present. You were so excited, you rode it around the parking lot a few times before we could leave. For the next few days every where we went you asked if you could bring your bike. You parked it up on the porch, and even in your room. It was really cute.
You are such a thoughtful boy. You are a big part of our family. You were our first born! We got to learn how to be a family with you. You taught us how to be parents. You are a great big brother, you almost always share your toys with your brothers.
For your future we hope that we can teach you how to love others, how to serve, and how to be a good friend. Although you already do all of that. We love you so much and knew you were meant for us.
Love,
Mom and Dad

Around the house

2010-10-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

This was Brinley before she got chubby. She is such a good baby. I could lay her down in her bed in the evening and she would go to sleep without even crying. She hardly fusses. She can sleep anywhere and almost thru any noise. She smiles alot, I just haven't caught it on camera yet. But she is in a hurry to get big, and that makes me sad.

Brinley goes to church!

2010-10-31T11:04:00.001-07:00

As nice as it was to stay home from church...after the first sunday it was hard. Brinley was growing so fast, mean while growing out of some of her dresses. Plus we were so excited about her we wanted to show her off. But she was so little, so we waited until she was 4 weeks old until we took her to church. She was so pretty!

First Days of School

2010-10-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Its not a typo that I labeled this first days of school. Jayden started a few weeks into the year, so he started a different day.

Jayden got into preschool! Yey! After taking him to be tested the day before we had Brinley, they said they would let us know. We got the "don't call us we'll call you". So we waited. Finally a few weeks into school and after a few phone calls from me bugging them.....he got in! He goes 2 days a week for a few hours.He was pretty excited.

Grayson is in 3rd grade this year. He is getting so old. He is even starting to get his own sense of style...notice the 2 different necklaces. I tried to tell him he should just wear one.....but what do I know about 3rd grade fashion. His teacher is Mrs. Mayberry.

Colby is in the first grade this year. Colby was so excited to go back to school and see all his friends again. He is all about the social life at school. He loves it. This year his teacher is Mrs. Homerski....who I think he has a crush on. Whenever he sees me making flowers for Brinley he wants to take one to his teacher. And more than once he has cut a rose from the bushes outside to take to her. He is so sweet like that.

It's a girl?!

2010-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how this post has taken me 4 different days to try to post, I am not going to go into alot of details, more just like comment on each picture.

This was me the sunday before we had our baby. Yes.....I was huge.

I know I can't possibly be the only woman who does their hair and makeup before going in to have a baby. I was kinda realistic, I didn't do eye makeup because I knew I would probably cry.

Here we are ready and waiting to go down to the OR. I was getting pretty nervous since the doctor was going into extreme detail about all the risks of surgery. They did my bloodwork and found that my platelet count was low. My count was 101 and if it had been 100 or lower I would of had to go to sleep for surgery. That was pretty scary to hear. But since I didn't want to stay pregnant forever, I opted for the surgery. They wheeled me down and had Jeremy wait outside while they prepped me. They hadn't even layed me down on the table and I was already crying. The doctor went to work on me. It seemed like forever that they were cutting, and pushing and pulling on me. Then they got the head out, and Jeremy said he thought, "Uhh oh, that looks like a boy head", but then they pulled the baby out and announced it's a girl! It was almost like a scene out of a movie, I remember the nurses clapping and celebrating. Of course I was crying again. I think Jeremy probably shed a few tears also. I told the doctors I needed to see to believe.

Wow. I guess it really is a girl! Crazy! At this point everything was getting kinda groggy, and I was having trouble staying awake. I just remember after Jeremy and our baby girl left for the nursery they were talking about my nurse who had just become a US citizen. You would think their focus should of been on me?!

Jeremy went with her down to the nursery. Since I was still in the OR and then in recovery, I left it up to him to tell everyone our good news. The first text he sent was to our kids, he just put, "He's here". Then when they got up to the nursery and were peeking thru the window he took her diaper off and flashed her girl parts.

After getting her height and weight, 7'2 and 19 1/2 inches, they came back down to visit me in recovery. And waited with me there until I was stable enough to go up to my room. Jeremy kept getting texts on his phone and on mine. I tried replying to a few but couldn't concentrate very well. So I have no idea what I sent a few people. After staying an extra hour or so because my temp was too low we finally made our way up to our room so she could meet her big brothers.

Poor Colby, I guess he thought I was just be waiting in the room completely normal with a baby, instead he came in and I was pale and laying in bed. The poor guy got really scared and ran to Jeremy and cried. He eventually calmed down and wanted to hold his sister. At this point we still hadn't decided on a name, it was between Mallory and Brinley. So we asked the boys which name they like, Jayden said he didn't like either. Instead he combined the names and said he wanted to name her Muggy. Cute.....but not quite the name we were looking for.

We spent the rest of the day trying to decide on her name.

Finally the next morning we had decided to name her

Brinley Ilene Sherman.

Colby was the first to hold her, and always wants to hold her. Jayden does now too. They both like to kiss her head, and give her hugs. Grayson likes her, but still hasn't held her. We think he may be alittle bit scared because she is so small.

Those first few days it didn't really seem real that she was a girl. It felt really odd to say "daughter" or "girl" or anything like that. It was like the nursery was bringing us the wrong baby.

Of course she had to wear a flower on the way home. Since we didn't know what we were having I had 2 boy outfits and 2 girl outfits with us. And of course the flower. The one thing I didn't bring was a girl blanket, so she had to use a boy blanket until we went to target on the way home. Yes I know I am crazy but we did go to Target before we went home. Its almost a tradition. I didn't have really anything at home for her to wear, or any blankets. So we went to target. So we get to the baby section and what do I do? I start crying. All these months I had been going thru the baby section looking and dreaming about different things I wanted if it was a girl, and now here she was. It was those dang pregnancy hormones that hadn't gone away yet.

Jeremy is so sweet with his little girl. I can hardly write anything with getting emotional. To hear him call her princess and other things was such a change. Before I would see things that said stuff about "Daddy's little girl" and think that it was dumb....but now I understand. It is such a different feeling with Brinley. Not that I don't love my boys, but its just different. I am more protective of her. I don't want her passed around, because I want to hold her.

My yard sale find completed

2010-06-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Way back in February I went to a yard sale with my friend Andi. I found this buffet and loved it instantly. Well I didn't realized how much I loved it until I saw another woman talking about buying it. So I ran over and bought it before she could. I paid $30 for it.

I forgot to take a complete before picture since I was in a hurry to redo it. But my attention span was more like Jayden's and I soon lost interest. Not that I still didn't love it....I just didn't feel like working on it. But now with us moving this weekend and not having a dresser (thats what I plan to use it for) I thought I better get moving.
During the time I wasn't working on it, it became the home of an old a/c unit...thanks dad. And also where they put the cats food bowl so the dogs wouldn't get it. So it got alittle dirty on top and had cat footprints.....had to re-sand the top.
So today when I went to stain the edges I noticed some yellow splatters on the side....our STUPID dog peed on it!!!! I was so mad.
So today the first thing Jeremy is doing when he gets home is moving it to the safety (safe from my dad, the cats, and Sam) of our new (new to us anyway) house. This way it will be protected.

Here is it finished.

The rest of them

2010-06-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ok...its been like a million years since I updated my blog, or even finished my Disneyland photos...so I am going to to a very brief wrap-up.

Ummmm, this is what pregnant women buy at Disneyland. (Well only one is mine, the other is Lynnell's, I talked her into it by saying I wasn't sharing mine. But really they are soooo sweet you HAVE to share)

What's a trip to disneyland without going to the LEGO store???! It was Grayson's dream store...we spent way too much time and money in there. But it was pretty awesome.

I LOVED Jayden in his Mickey hat. He was so cute.

Right as we got to the front of the line for the teacups Jayden decided he needed to pee RIGHT now and so he didn't get to go with his brothers...I had to wait in line AGAIN so he could go on them.

Colby was picked for Jedi Training. He is now a Padawan. He has fought the dark side and defeated it.

(The map was upside down...)

We met some "real" characters

2010-04-30T15:33:00.001-07:00

We were lucky enough to run into a few characters while at Disneyland. We did see a few more than this but I wasn't patient enough to wait in line for all of them. Also we didn't go to any character breakfasts/meals so all of these pictures were hard earned.

You may notice that usually its just Colby, Jayden and I.....yes we did bring Grayson with us. But Grayson was a thrill junkie and HAD to go on every ride he could, most more than once. So it was just us wimps wandering around the park finding characters.

Sorry, but I could not let myself be photographed with Winnie the Pooh. Him and I don't see eye to eye. I just don't understand why he has to have so much merchandise. Its like he is the Donald Trump of the 100 acre woods and the other characters get nothing. I even went so far as to put on my baby shower invitations with Grayson "NO Winnie the Pooh please!" So him and I go wayyyyy back.

When Jayden went to give him a hug and kiss Pooh had turned so Jayden ended up kissing Pooh on the but.

Jayden was in awe of Buzz Lightyear, or as he says"Buzz Lightyear to the rescue" I think Jaydent thinks thats his name. He wouldn't even touch him. Like he was with royalty or something. He was like, "Whoa Mom, that's BUZZ lightyear to the rescue!" He was planning on telling him about all the aliens he shot but chickened out.

I think Colby is big enough to realize that its a person in there. He kept asking why none of them talk. My reasoning was that they see so many kids each day if they spoke to all of them they would lose their voice.....he just rolled his eyes.

Too bad Grayson was 'too cool' to go see characters with us....I don't have as many pictures of him.

Have You Seen My Beach Ball?

2010-04-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is this big.....

And this round.....

And it went that way.

During our California trip we went to the beach. Seal Beach to be more specific. Grayson and Colby had been to the beach before, but it was Jayden's first time. I think it is safe to say they all loved it! They keep teasing one another saying they were going to bury them so they couldn't get out. Colby got buried...but he was able to escape. Jayden buried my feet. He would put a small handful of sand on my foot, then hit it a few times to make sure he was compacting it. He wasn't very careful. He kept hitting my shins.

There was a pier at the beach we went to. The boys thought it was pretty awesome and had to walk to the end. It made me and Lynnell alittle nervous when they kept peeking over the railing to see how far out we were. They loved chasing the birds that landed on it. Poor birds.

Another cool thing about this beach was they had playground right on the beach. It had a fench around it so kids couldn't just run down to the water. The boys begged and pleaded to go play there. We finally let them, and what did they do??? Looked in the playground sand for shells. I kept telling them to play...but they wouldn't. So we forced them to go back down to the water to play. (Notice my awesome bracelet...we took pipecleaners to play with in the truck and the boys made me a crown, a ring and a bracelet, I only wore the bracelet in public....Jeremy has one on too.)

Jayden liked the seal. You can see 2 little monsters peeking in the back.

My boys really loved being at the beach. We didn't put any sunscreen on them because it was really cloudy when we got there. But by the time we left they had red backs. I think that if we lived anywhere near water they would be cute little surfers with bleach blonde hair.

Poor Grayson, he tried so hard to build a castle, but with 2 little brothers running away from waves every 45 seconds it proved to be too big a challenge. He even had a moat around it. He would pour water into it and a few seconds later it would disappear. We tried, but I guess us Arizonan's aren't the best sand castle builders. Now knocking them down we were pretty good at.

All together it was a good beach experience. The boys had fun..and the best part was it was free! (We figured out alittle bit late we were supposed to pay for parking....oops.) I think the boys would really love a vacation just playing at the beach.....maybe we can squeeze one in this summer.....

Favorite things about the beach:

Grayson - "There was alot of sand."

"I liked collecting the seal shells."

Colby - "I could do the monkey bars at the playground."
"Getting in the water and it chasing me back."
"Mom there is sand in my crack!"

Jayden - "The crabs put sand in my ears mom!"

"Thats alot of water."

Sherman Family Resturant Review

2010-04-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well we just got back from vacation. And after 9 hours in the car with my kids, husband and parents......I need another vacation.

It would be WAY too long for me to do a whole blog about our trip to Disneyland, so I will do mini blogs. Also I lack the energy to go all the way to the other end of the house and get my camera to upload pictures, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

So one thing we did on vacation was eat out.....weird I know. But if you know my dad you now that he DOES NOT eat out on vacation. He will bring almost all of his own food. Not that he doesn't trust the food, he is just really cheap. Us "kids" always joke about boiled chicken sandwiches.

But amazingly we ate out all but one meal....except the free breakfast at our hotel. One place that we ate at was John's Incredible Pizza.

This place puts Peter Piper Pizza to shame. We could fit this place into our Benson Safeway. It was huge. Not too pricey either. They had a salad buffet, which all the veggies were cut small, so you didn't have to cut up your salad.....very helpful. They had a pasta/potato bar. They had a pizza buffet, with everything from cheese pizza to BBQ pizza (very good by the way), Spicy Peanut Pizza (too scared to try), Nacho Cheese Pizza (didn't try), and a Fiesta Pizza. The Fiesta was kinda funny, my dad got it and said it tasted really weird. So we looked at it closer and noticed it had all taco fixin's on it....even refried beans. Weird. And lastly, they had a dessert buffet, which if you know my husband you know how important that is.

Moving on from the food. There was different rooms you could eat in. There was one that was like a log cabin, with a fireplace and everything. Then there was a "toon" room. This is where we sat. It was decorated with cartoon posters and had big screens on the wall playing cartoons. Scooby Do was on when we were there.....my kids thought cartoons during dinner was awesome. There was also a sports room with different games on. And they had separate rooms for birthday parties.

Another thing that made them different was their play area. They had alot of games....and even rides in there. It was also seperate form the food area so it wasn't so loud. Very nice. Although we wouldn't let our kids play ANY games because we had just taken them to Disneyland for 3 days and didn't want to spend any more.

All together I would say we give John's Incredible Pizza Co. a 4 out of 5.

Hopefully we get one in Tucson some day. (Wow can you tell I am pregnant? My first vacation blog is about food?!)

What's taking so long???!?

2010-04-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

The days leading up to vacation always go by REALLY slow. They just drag. And its not like we are just sitting around waiting for time to pass. We are all really busy everyday. Atleast the boys don't know so its just a normal week for them. We did tell them we would go see How To Train Your Dragon this weekend...so they are waiting for that. But have no idea that it will be in California and not Arizona.

We finally figured out how to tell them.....I think I will possibly have to hold back my tears. So I got a postcard from my sister that is from Disneyland. On Friday it will come in the mail addressed to Grayson, Colby and Jayden. I will hand it to Grayson to read outloud.
It will say something like this:

"Dear Grayson, Colby and Jayden Sherman,
I am really excited for you to come visit me at my house next week in Disneyland. We will have lots of fun together. Make sure you pack your swimming suit because there is a beach nearby. Bring your parents and make sure you go to bed early tonight because you leave tomorrow morning.
Love,
Mickey Mouse"

I think that they will get the idea. I can hardly wait.....and of course we will be video taping it just in case.

Addicted

2010-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am starting to notice a trend with addictions......they are never cheap. When people are addicted to cars, they are usually expensive cars. Drugs, people pay large amonts of money for small amounts of drugs. People don't get addicted to the penny slots.....its the big money games that people love. Women who get addicted to shopping don't shop at the dollar store. Purses.....its always the expensive ones.

TLC has a show called ADDICTED, I have never actually watched it just seen commercials. But I think one day I may be featured on it. I don't yet have a problem.....but I see the possibility.

I have walked past the MAC display probably a million times. I always park by Dillards so when I go into the mall I have to walk past this display. I always think, "I want to try that someday". I always say that but never actually stop.

I have noticed the makeup I am using doesn't last more than an hour, then it magically disappears. That is REALLY annoying. So I wanted to try this makeup.
So Friday when I went to Tucson I tried it. I told the lady I wanted to try some foundations/powders. At first she only did half my face. I was already imagining myself in the movie The Other Sister when a girl with "speical needs" gets a mall make over and they only do half her face.....please don't do that to me!
But really the lady just did that to compare colors.

When she was done I had enough makeup on to compete in a beauty peagant. But I liked it! It lasted all day long. When I went to wash it off that night it looked the same as when it was put on in the morning.

Of course she used a few different things on me to trick me into buying it all...but I stuck to my decision of only buying one thing. Well......one thing every few weeks. I am already plotting my next purchase. And just like any other addiction...its not cheap.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:55:00.001-07:00

We went to my Aunt Peggy's house just like we do every year. We went up the day before because Jeremy was doing some work for my cousin. We went up and decorated eggs with my cousins kids. Jayden didn't really like the dipper, so he just used his hands. By the time he was done he looked like a baby Hulk. Finally after soaking in the bath tub, his ands came clean.

Jayden was an expert egg finder. My cousin Patrick went around with him to help him out. All together Jayden got $4.

Grayson did good on his solo hunt. He found 19 hard boiled eggs (there is a $10 prize for themost hard boiled eggs so kids won't pass then up) and Grayson won! So all together he got $14 and lots of candy.

Colby was still young enough to be in the advance party that gets a 5 minute head start....but he did not need it. By the time the 5 minutes was up his basket was full. So I ended up putting some in my shirt until my mom went to get him a bag for his extra eggs. Colby ended up with $20.

Before we got out there to hunt we were coaching our kids as to how to get alot of eggs. We were telling them to grab and go.....don't worry about whats in the eggs you can look later....and our theory got them quite a few eggs.

Fort Sherman

2010-04-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well Jeremy has gotten it into his head that our boys NEED a fort. "Every boy needs a fort Nicole" is what he tells me. So a few saturdays ago he built one. He (and my dad) were out there ALL DAY LONG. It took forever. Its well built and sturdy....but does it have to be so high up? The way he had the railings to start were more like a ladder until I pointed them out. But the boys do love it, as long as it doesn't get any higher.
His ideas to make it better scare me alittle.....he wants them to use a pole to get down, or a rope.....unless they just want to use the boring old ladder. I just need to set up a pre-paid account with our local hospital I guess.

Found some dinner

2010-03-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Baseball is beginning to take up ALOT of our time. Which we knew was going to happen. I just thought it would be once the games started. But no, the boys only have practice and we will be at the park 4 nights a week. Yikes.

The one thing that is nice is that while one kid is practicing there is another for Jayden to play with. And they are really tired when we leave. Also I am able to get alittle exercise in and walk around the park a few times.

SO we were at Colby's practice yesterday and Jayden was digging in the dirt like normal. He brought us over some sunflower seeds he found in the dirt and told us he found us some dinner...he was serious too. EWWWW.

Some other fun things we have him do is race one of his brothers to the fence and back....the fence at the other end of the field. He thinks its so fun....we enjoy the peace for a few minutes, and he uses up some of his endless energy.

Some kind of Record

2010-03-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Well I don't have any pictures...and this is kinda something you have to see to believe. Jayden learned to ride a bike! The amazing part is he doesn't use training wheels.
One day a about a month ago (I know I am behind) he went over to our neighbors house to play. I can home from work and he came out side and said, "I can ride a bike now". SO I asked him to show me. He couldn't start on his own, but as soon as I let go of the seat he just kept going. He was 3 years and 3 months old. Crazy.
So when Jeremy got home it was already dark, but Jayden HAD to show his dad what he could do.
Probably 2 days later I guess Jayden was tired of having us help him when ever he had to start again. (He did have frequent crashes, nothing too serious ) So after us trying to show him how to start on his own a few times....he just took over. He was pretty excited. We also noticed he stands up when he pedals.
He had been doing that just about 5 mintues when I started to ask Jeremy how long he thought it would be before Jayden mastered that and needed to learn something new, when I looked over and saw him trying to do a wheelie. He gets his tire a few inches off the ground, but he is pretty proud. After a few mintues of that he thought it was fun to speed up just before he stops so he can skid to a stop. He didn't stop there.....a little while later he wanted a ramp. Yes he wanted to start jumping on his bike. So Jeremy built a small dirt ramp for him to jump......and he did.
I know that its only a matter of time before he starts doing really crazy stuff.
Since we have moved over to my dad's house and we made the rule "NO RIDING ON THE PORCH" because we are worried about the stairs....what does Jayden do???! He mastered the 3 stairs off the porch...it scares me. He says it hurts his butt.
His latest trick as of today is riding while eating a popsicle. He goes part of the time using one hand. PLEASE don't let him think of going with no hands.
I didn't even learn to ride until 2nd grade...how crazy is Jayden??!

Haircuts!

2010-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

SO as a mom of three boys, we do at home hair cuts. We always do it about a week after we say we are going to, and they are usually WAY past needing ones (including Jeremy). This time I gave the haircuts, they are now sporting an army look. Their hair is buzzed pretty short.....that way its longer in between times.
I always laugh when I look at other families made up of mostly boys, you can always tell when it's haircut day. Our neighbors at our old house has 4 boys. We would laugh when we drove by and could see the boys lined up outside waiting their turn.
I don't quite understand nature sometimes. Why is it that boys get such pretty, soft, thick hair? Mine are no exception. As I cut of Jaydens' pretty blond hair I thought what a waste it was. Colby's hair was really soft and perfectly straight. Grayson has that same thick, blond wavy hair as Jayden. I would be willing to bet a million dollars that if/when I have a girl she will be bald until she is 2 like I was. I don't quite understand that.

Yard Sales

2010-02-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Yard sales are always an adventure. You never know what you will find. The saying goes, "One woman's trash is another woman's treasure."
I went to a yard sale today, well technically an estate sale. My good friend Andi and I decided to last minute this morning.
We both have been obsessed with blogs that fix up other peoples junk...so what were we in search of??? Junk....but good junk.
So we drove thru Benson and saw no signs, then we see one....Estate sale 8 miles. Well since we had no other options we went.
We finally pull up, and there is ALOT of people. We see 2 different houses. We walk past the first one because we see everyone else going into the other one. The second we walk inside we see this very pretty, old dresser. Well we assumed it was a dresser but it was actually a buffet. They were only asking $30. I am trying to talk Andi into it, but she says she doesn't have anywhere for it. So I say, oh I will think about and go look around. As we walk away I see another woman admiring it and debating about it. So what did I do? I went and bought it before she could. I felt really bad....but I had dreams and visions of what it could be. I am sure she didn't imagine it redone and painted black sitting in her bedroom with other amazing refashioned junk on it.
We looked around some more. In one room we could hardly contain ourselves when we found old giant picture frames...people probably thought we were crazy. But we saw what they could (and will) be.
So we finished up there and went to the house next door. We admire some junk in the yard...debate about a cute little stool (Andi decided to get it) and go inside. This house should of been condemed. This house easily could have been featured on the show Hoarders. We walked in and were hit by an awful smell. All we could was was keep walking. We noticed they lady was alittle off. Then we hear someone ask if she is moving, nope just getting rid of a few things. She said everything is for sale. We were both secretly thinking about asking for random things to see what see says. We hurry thru her house and thru her shed, I was trying to hold my breath. When we got done we felt like we needed a shower and possibly rehab.
All in all it was pretty fun, I can't hardly wait until I can fix up all my junk...I have big plans for it.

Pregnancy Blog

2010-01-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

Just to let everyone know I am doing a different blog for all baby-related stuff. Just click on the link to the right and it should take you there!

Sleepover

2010-01-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

Its kinda weird when your kids get old enough to have friends sleep over. So one of Grayson's friends mom calls last week and asks if her son can sleep over because her daughter is having a giant sleepover. So we say yeah that's fine. So I don't want Colby to feel left out when Graysons' friend is over so I invited his friend over to stay the night. Thank goodness Jayden doesn't really have friends yet. So just after the party started I ran to Walmart because I knew they would want food. The pregnant one was the wrong one to send....I can home with alot of junk...some of which I hid so they couldn't eat. I bought french fries, Double Stuf Oreos (is there any other kind?), Doritos, Peanut Butter Captin Crunch, Special K cereal, Cinnoman Rolls, and a roll of cookie dough. Not to mention I made rice krispie treats. So the boys played the Xbox, and jumped outside. But their favorite thing to do was take off their shirts, and sit right in front of the fire place until their back was burning, and then run around screaming. At one point I had to stop it because their backs were beet red. Then people will say, "Don't let your kids go to the Sherman's, they will get set on fire". But it was so cute to see 5 boys sitting around with no shirts on and ribs and elbows and collar bones sitting out all over. Pretty soon they won't even want us around during their sleepovers, they will hide in their rooms. Atleast then poor Jeremy won't have to stay up until after midnight with them.

Wow...didn't see this coming

2010-01-24T18:06:00.000-08:00

The past few month alot has been up in the air, unknown, undecided...etc. And for me that is REALLY stressful. I can't stand not knowing what is going to happen, especially when I am pregnant and a control freak. Our landlord is crazy. (Its along shot, but hopefully she doesn't read my blog....or she might sue me for slander) She is a huge control freak (and she isn't even pregnant...atleast I have an excuse) She really does sue people quite alot...including the last people that lived in our house...yikes. So we heard from the realtor that she wanted to raise our rent. She wants to raise it $100 a month...and she hasn't even done anything to justify the raise. So naturally we were pretty ticked off. So we kinda started looking around for other places to rent. Wow. If you have even looked at rentals in the Benson/St. David area you know what I mean by wow. Not really much out there. I decided that I don't want to live in Benson because I honestly don't want to be in that ward. So there went a good 3/4 of our choices.
We finally talk to our realtor about it.....who by the way is also scared of the landlord. The landlord finally decides that we can either sign a year lease, and stay at the same price, or we can do month-to-month and pay an extra $100. Jeremy's brother Branson has lived with us for as long as we have lived in this house, and he has decided to move on and live with Lanae. So now we know that we really have to find a new place. And I was really stressed out.
We jokingly say something about moving to my Dad's house, and then it becomes more serious. Until finally everything else we try falls thru and in the last day or so we have decided that yes....we are moving to my dad's.
It's not our dream situation, but it will definitly help us out.
We have a plan.....we will live there, pay off debt, improve our credit, buy property, and follow a local trend.... Build a shop with cash and live in it until a house is built. I keep warning everyone that I am territorial and cranky and will need my space. I don't think they take me seriously. So wish us luck! We are moving the end of February. In our near future I see lots of double dates with Brea & Landon (who are in a similar situation). Atleast we have someone to sympathize with.

Kid #4

2010-01-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Yes we are expecting our 4th baby...probably our 4th boy...but miracles do happen so who knows. We are due on August 10th.
A common question we are asked is if we are going to find out what we are having...and to answer that question.....yes we will. We will find out on August 10th (or whenever it comes) what we are having. Its so funny to see how upset people get when they hear we won't know as soon as everyone else. (WARNING...mushy pregnant moment) But honestly there is NOTHING in the world that compares to that moment just after the baby comes out and the doctor tells you what your baby is, and then you can actually see and hold it. That moment doesn't even compare with the few seconds of joy in an ultrasound room when some stranger tells you what you are having, and then it is followed by a big letdown when you have another 4-5 months until you can even see your baby. For Jeremy and I, this is what makes it exciting, since it is always a planned c-section.
We look forward to having a sweet little baby that doesn't get toys out, or run around screaming, or tattles on its brothers, or takes over the tv.....atleast for now.

Catch - Up

2010-01-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

So it seems like it has been FOREVER since I added anything to my blog. Since I don't want to do one BIG blog...I will do a few short ones about a few different things going on in our lives right now.

Blog PTO

2009-12-25T14:36:00.001-08:00

Ok I just want to let everyone (well the like 2 people) who read my blog....I have no internet at home right now.....so that means I can't really do much to my blog. I am not quite sure when we will get it again. But the good news is I can read everyone else's at work....I just can't comment or do a new post. So I guess for now I am a lurker.

Some crazy things said by my kids....

2009-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

"What??!.....Jesus doesn't live in a house!!! He lives at church!!" - We went to the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights and Jayden was looking at a display. There was a man standing at it (a fake person) and it wasn't even Jesus. But since he had long-ish hair....Jayden just assumed it was. So then he had to make it known to Jeremy and I that Jesus lives at church.

"Umm, why was Jonathans' grandpa dressed like Santa?"
- Wow isn't that the question that every parent fears (right next to ...where do babies come from, or how is your baby going to come out). So we were at our ward christmas party last night, and Santa came to visit the kids. Grayson and Colby both stood in line to see him, but Jayden would only look from afar. As we were leaving we were asking what they said to Santa, and Grayson asks us," Why was Jonathan's grandpa dressed as Santa?" So I told him that Santa is REALLY busy right now trying to get ready and he can't make it to every party, so he has helpers. BUT the helpers report exactly to Santa what each child asked for. He seemed ok with that answer...but I know soon enough some bratty kid will ruin it for him.

"Jayden why don't you want to see Santa?" "Because he will know I was naughty."
- Jayden will not go see Santa. He would barely go near him to get a bag of candy. So I was trying to talk him into it....I asked if he was scared of him, he said no. So I asked him why and he told me because Santa will know he was naughty.

Thankful....

2009-12-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

Wow...thanksgiving has come and gone already.

That's so crazy. I wasn't even able to

take any pictures....I was way too busy being

the hostess. Oh well. I know that my good

sister-in-law Heidi will email me some. :-)

So I thought I would list a few things that I am thankful for....

(watch out its mushy towards the end...just warning you)

1) My Family and I don't just mean Jeremy & my boys....

I mean ALL of my family.....I am very lucky to live close

to most of my brothers and sisters and my dad and Lynnell.

And I feel very blessed that we are all happy and healthy.

2) My Friends I fell pretty lucky to have alot of good friends.

Friends that I can talk to about anything, friends that I can

call after I don't get enough sympathy from Jeremy,

friends that I can gossip with,

friends that give spiritual advice,

friends that I can count on for anything.

3) My Kids I am lucky to have 3 easy going, happy,

healthy, crazy kids that are full of life. I am thankful that

they are all learning and making friends.

4) My Husband What can I say about Jeremy that would do him justice....

He has ALWAYS been there for me and has always loved me.

He puts up with my crazy mood swings

(I don't think we have seen the worst of them yet)

and doesn't even say a word. He gives the kids baths

(I HATE doing that) so that I don't have to.

He is worthy to hold the priesthood, and after many years

with out it in our home...it is a big blessing.

I am thankful everyday that he waited for me.

Music of the Night....ummm Midafternoon

2009-11-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

I went to watch the Phantom of the Opera yesterday in Tempe. It was so cool. I went with my Aunt Peggy, my cousins Alissa and Amy, and their daughters, Kailey, Ashley and Emily. It was a suprise for them...we told them we were going shopping at a big mall. Then as we walked up, a woman asked if we wanted to buy a Phantom program or rose. The girls were all confused, and the woman said,"Well this is the Phantom of the Opera". They were so excited.
The costumes were all amazing....the cast did a very good job. I can't wait to go back next time...maybe I will make my husband go.

Pilgrims ate Cool Whip??!

2009-11-19T17:31:00.001-08:00

Grayson had his Pilgrim Feast in school today! I was a very bad mommy and forgot to send my assignment of Cool Whip (Pilgrims ate cool whip???) But I couldn't help but take a picture of him.....his outfit was so cute! They took pillow cases and decorated them. They each got to draw on their own symbols. It looked VERY authentic...it very easily could of sold in a gift shop ;-) . He said that they had it at lunch time. Their meal consisted of cornbread, Pilgrim Stew (he wouldn't eat) and pumpkin pie. I asked him if he thought pilgrims really ate that, and if they kept their cool whip in the fridge...he just laughed at me.

Firelight

2009-11-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

I am bored at work and found this funny video.....too bad its not a real movie....it would be pretty funny. Its Taylor Swift and a Twilight Spoof.....just watch and see.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/digital-short-firelight/1173548/?__cid=thefilter

never trust a 3 year old

2009-11-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

Me - Jayden your hands are so clean!

Jayden - I washed them!

Me - Wow! Good job!

Jayden - I used da' soap!

Me - I don't think I heard the water running?

Jayden - (Just smiled)

Me - Jayden........WHERE did you wash your hands???!

Jayden - In the water

Me - What water??!

( At this point he took me.....by the hand I might add....and lead me into the bathroom where he had washed his hands in the toliet. He had used soap...and the soap was floating in the toliet now. He had also taken a rag and washed the counters, sink, toliet, bathtub and floor with the same soap and water.....he's just so helpful!)

WhAt 7 yEaR oLd BoYs PrAy FoR

2009-11-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

Grayson has really liked raking leaves all of a sudden....which is good because we have PLENTY. He is always quick to do anything that I ask of him. He is such a good big brother to Colby and Jayden. He loves to read and learn new things. Without ever being told before bed he gets a book and reads it for a few minutes while either Jeremy or I read to the other boys. He is so tall too...by 4th or 5th grade he will be as tall as I am....he already goes up to my chest. It is so crazy to think he started out 5'11, and even got down to 5'3. Now he is almost 50 pounds. Its amazing to think.

We have family prayers every night and we take turns saying it. Grayson usually has to be asked and persuaded alittle bit, but last night he volunteered. I have to try SO hard not to giggle when he says the prayer.....I am just going to put in a few things he asks for....keep in mind he came up with this on his own..........

"Please help us to not get dirty"

"Please help us go to sleep"

"Please help our toys"

"Please help no one to kill us"

"Please help us to not get to school late again"

People of Walmart

2009-11-05T09:47:00.001-08:00

Has anyone else ever seen this website???? It is really funny....kinda addicting. I bet that half of these could of been from our Benson Walmart. This is my new favorite website...maybe I'll set it as my homepage :-)

www.peopleofwalmart.com

What do Darth Vader, Obi One Kenobi, and Batman have in common?

2009-11-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

Halloween of course!!!

We went to the "Trunk or Treat" in St. David for Halloween. The boys have alot of fun. Jeremy is the one to take them around to get candy, while I sit at our car (the trunk was decorated) and pass out candy to kids. I will be completely honest....I can not stand going around and waiting in line for games and candy. I get impatient....they are sticky.....the line takes too long...etc. So it is better for our whole family if mommy just stays behind. Then of course the boys get done and come raid the candy that I have.

Jayden aka "Batman"
Jayden was Batman this year for Halloween. He would dress up every few days just for fun. Then he would get on his bike...inside the house of course...apparently bikes dont go outside??! He would then tell me that Batman doesn't like to walk. Then race his bike back and forth thru the house trying to hit everyone and everything in his path. And he would shoot us with his web.....yeah he was confused but it was too cute to stop him.

Grayson aka "Obi One Kenobi"
Grayson had a hard time finding a costume. Everything he wanted either was REALLY expensive, or was too scary. He is getting way too old, pretty soon he won't even want to dress up, he will be out toliet papering houses, and making dry ice bombs with his friends. (Actually we made dry ice bombs at home halloween night, so thats where he'll get the idea) And he will beat up his younger brothers and steal their candy. Maybe I have a few years left....

Colby aka "Darth Vader"
Colby always gets really excited when he sees anyone from his class outside of school. So anytime he would see someone he would always tell me, and say what they were dressed as. He really wanted to wear the mask that came with his costume but they weren't allowed. Sometime during the evening he lost his cape.....not quite sure what happened to it. Poor kid he doesn't stand a chance with two superhero brothers.

"Scary Guy"

2009-11-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

The boys found some goody bags I had made for one of my classes. There was vampire teeth inside...so we put them on. Jayden said he was a scary guy and kept making faces...it was too cute to pass up. So here is our pictures from playing around with the teeth.

Batman (Jayden) Turned 3!!!!

2009-11-01T15:17:00.001-08:00

We had Jayden's birthday party on October 24th. It was alot of fun(and work). I always have a halloween theme because it is so close to halloween, and I HATE paying so much for costumes and then the kids wearing them only once......so its a costume brithday party.

I ran out of time, so I just bought a costco cake.....I normally have a really cute one.

Jeremy and I dressed up...I am not quite sure what he was......some kinda mexican bandit. I was a mexican resturant waitress. He grew out his facial hair and used my mascara to darken it. He needs to work on his accent...it sounded more chinese then spanish.

I love it when other adults dress up.....this is my Grandpa, he was Johnny Cash.

These two....Evel Knievel and the Bandito.

Jayden got lots of monster trucks

And a giant dry erase coloring book.....and he even shared.

Can you tell who wanted their picture taken the whole time???? He has like 10 others I didn't put in.
Back to Jayden...
He is a very crazy little guy. He understands jokes, he can tease back. He loves to ride his bike in the house (which is ok as long as he doesn't have mud on the tires). He wants to be as big as his brothers, and thinks that he already is. He loves to sleep in our bed and snuggle up close. Which I would kick him out but he is so darn cute....I can't. He loves to give us hugs and kisses all the time, and always says, " I wub you mom".

Our Puppies

2009-10-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

My dog, Roxie had puppies last night.

She ended up with 5 puppies. I kept wondering if they were going to come out with 2 heads, or 5 legs, or no tails...because the father of her baby just happens to be her brother.....so gross.

Her motherly instincts kicked in.....she eats alot, and growls at her brother/father of her puppies...sounds about right.

ThE PuMpKiN PaTcH

2009-10-21T21:03:00.001-07:00

Going to the Pumpkin Patch in Willcox is the other half of our Apple Annie's tradition. We go to both places in one day. This year our group was pretty big, and both places were really crowded...but oh well. We go more for the experience than the pumpkins....they are too expensive. So the rule is they have to be able to carry their pumpkin.

Jayden could BARELY hold up his pumpkin...it wasn't really Jayden-sized. And he didn't even end up with that pumpkin. After finding one for his baby cousin Ava...he apparently liked hers better and wanted to switch. Atleast he could carry that one. He was so tired after the day that when we went to Pizza Hut to eat afterwards, he just slept on my lap. Poor guy.

Colby had to get people (Branson and Catlyn) to walk around to find his perfect pumpkin. He couldn't decide on one on his own.

Grayson was really easy, after looking for like 2 mintues he found one.

Ok, Jeremy found this pumpkin and said it was shaped like a mom. It was really funny. We called it our mom pumpkin....I really wanted it but when we saw how much it was going to cost we secretly put it in a pile (you are supposed to buy what you pick...and its not a secret now...oops)

Like father, like son. I think that Jeremy's favorite part of going is that there is 1) Snow cones/Shaved Ice and 2) Fresh kettle corn. Thats the first thing he goes for when we get out of the car. So then we have to carry a giant bag of popcorn that we have to open every 5 steps, and each kid has to carry their snow cone....and there is no way around it. I just had to learn to accept it. So I make sure to take my family picture BEFORE Jayden gets his blue face and teeth.

Yes...he is peeing out in the field...no I didn't realize what he was doing until it was too late. He was just doing his part to keep the pumpkins well watered. You can see Jeremy holding the popcorn.

These two pictures I forgot to add with the apple ones, and am too lazy to add on to that post.

Apple Annie's Apple Orchard

2009-10-21T20:43:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we went to Apple Annie's Apple Orchard in Willcox. It is a tradition of ours to go every fall. We always go a few weeks before Halloween. It gets better every year......except for the wind.

Colby had alot of fun using the apple-reacher-thingy to pick apples out of the tree.

Grayson didn't even need the picker, he was ok just climbing the tree. Grayson NEVER will eat the "crust" on apples when we get them at home, but after we had started picking the apples, I turned around and saw him eating a whole apple....."crust" and all.....WHAT???!

Jayden really liked picking apples. When we first started he had to say, "Wow Grandpa I am really good at this", so my dad asked if he had ever done it before and Jayden said "No, its my first time". When he went for one apple...atleast 2 fell from the tree. He was walking around trying to stomp on the rotten apples.

Every other year we have gone, we always pack a lunch and then end up regretting it because their cheeseburgers smell REALLY good. So this year we decided to eat out there. Well when we get out there (its like 25 minutes from town) its was really crowded, and had a huge food line. So we waited until we went back into town to eat...maybe next year....atleast we had the homemade ice cream.

I am happy we all had fun, and no one got hurt. It was alittle bit scary giving the boys those long poles with points at the end...thats just asking for trouble.

BuSy BuSy

2009-10-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

WoW! For some reason I always think things are going to slow down. Before summer started, we kept saying,"Yeah when summer comes we can relax and go camping...." Then summer came, and we went to the temple, and went to California, and there was birthdays and the 4th of July, and girls camp, and the Sherman Family Retreat. Then we thought, "Oh when school starts things will slow down..." Nope, things are actually busier. Now we have Grayson in football, and Colby in soccer, and me helping with cheerleading (I am only asst. coach this year, not head coach..thank goodness!), and me going to the scrapbook convention and Jeremy working ALOT. And not to mention our church callings, and everything we like to do during the fall. So I am making a list of things I want/need to accomplish during October:

1) Take fall family pictures....but I need it to actually look like fall :-)
2) Go to the Pumpkin Patch
3) Pay off 1 credit card
4) Jayden's Birthday Party
5) Decorate for Halloween
6) Go on a date with my handsome husband!

Awesomest Banner Ever

2009-09-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Ok so my picture doesn't do much for the banner....but I am pretty proud of it. That thing took me 5-6 hours to do.
Colby's coach asked all the parents if someone would make a banner because they are supposed to have one, his wife would normally do it BUT she is just about to have a baby. So I volunteered because no one else looked very crafty.
So I had this whole design in my head...I just didn't think about how long it would take. Everything on this banner is hand-cut (my hands) out of felt. It took me sooooo long to do today and I still have to figure out how to hang it on the fence at games.
This banner came at a physical cost to me as well as my time, and money. I did not want to sew at all, so I used my hot glue gun. It worked pretty good...I must of gone thru 20 glue sticks. I had the occasional burnt finger, no big deal. But then after the gun had been on for like 5 hours I was sitting on the ground putting glue on the "c" in Medicine, and I dropped it, glue side down of course, onto the inside of my calve. It REALLLLLY hurt! And whats worse was it was glued to me. So I ripped it off quickly, but it still burnt my leg. I now have a "c" shaped burn on my leg.....and it still hurts. Now I know what Colby went thru went he was burnt a few weeks ago. That so far has been my worst craft accident.
My favorite parts of the banner are: the cute little sharks, the bows on the girl sharks, and the Medicine Shoppe logo.

"The Great White Sharks"

2009-09-19T20:36:00.001-07:00

Colby started soccer this week! It was such a cute game. There is 5 kids on his team and they play 3 at a time. Colby did an amazing job his first game. He didn't score a goal yet, but he wasn't shy about getting in there and trying to get the ball. He was just running all over the place. When they get out of bounds, the kids don't even notice they just keep going.
Colby has a girl from his class on his team. Her name is Addy, her dad is the coach. I was told by her mom that she wants to marry Colby when they grow up. So when her dad called to tell me when practice was I joked that it would be a good opportunity for him to get to know Colby and his intentions.....I don't think he got my joke...oh well.

They only get to play 3 quarters of the game so that everyone gets a turn. Apparently Colby thought he was a VIP player and needed to be in the whole time....it took some convincing to get him to stay out. We are looking forward to many more soccer games.

Are You Ready For Some Football???

2009-09-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I was. I thought that all the little boys would just run around and follow all the rules.....I was not prepared. What is the first thing you want to do when you see someone being mean to your child??? You want to set them straight. Well as a mom sitting in the bleachers you can't! You have to sit there and watch as another player just chases your son around the whole time, and when he catches him, pushes him down. It was frustrating. And another time he tripped him, and elbowed his face. I THOUGHT IT WAS FLAG FOOTBALL NOT TACKLE!!!! Atleast in tackle they have pads on. Jeremy thought I was going to jump out of the bleaches when the kid elbowed him. I have always thought that when parents yell at the ref or at the coach, or even other players that they were taking it too seriously. But NOW I understand.
It wasn't really bad, just I didn't expect to feel the way I did. I see a future of yelling "He's holding!!!!" and "What was that??!!" and "Where's the flag??!". Its not how I imagined I would be, but it will happen. I have already started, its just loud talking now, but it will develop into yelling. Yep I will be THAT mom. Jeremy will be embarrassed sitting next to me, people will turn around and stare. I love my kids so I will sacrifice myself for them ( I already sacrificed my stomach).
Although I do have to say that it was the cutest game ever. They are so small, yet they still have to play the WHOLE football field. We went thinking no one would score, but those little guys managed to run mini-marathons and got a few touchdowns. Grayson had alot of fun, he played defense. I don't think he is big enough (a whopping 46 pounds) to be playing on the line. When he wasn't playing he was obsessed with drinking his whole Gatorade before the end of the 1st quarter. Then of course he had to leave the field to use the bathroom. I guess I should be thankful he left the field..it was probably pretty tempting with all that grass. His other favorite past times when he wasn't playing was - taking one drink out of each water bottle (ewwwww) then adding water to each bottle, and playing with his mouth guard.

(Grayson with his friend Rylee...such skinny legs!)
Grayson plays every Saturday thru Halloween if anyone wants to come see him play!

String Cheese?

2009-09-09T11:09:00.001-07:00

Last night I was reading Colby and Jayden a book about Dinosaurs before bed. Whenever it would name a new dinosaur Jayden would have to repeat the name back to me, and then show us how he thought it walked. I was telling him that some of the dinosaurs ate plants and some ate meat. When we got to the T-Rex I asked him what he thought it ate....Jaydens reply was he thinks it eats cheese. And not just any cheese....STRING CHEESE. I tried to explain that his arms probably wouldn't reach his mouth, so it wasn't likely....but Jayden had his mind made up about what they ate.

7 yEaRs In tHe mAkInG

2009-09-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Finally they are here!!!! And I want to thank my wonderful mailman for putting them inside my house instead of leaving them outside. I told him to clean up my living room next time. He said ok....he owed us for making us speak in Stake Conference.

Yes I finally got our pictures from the temple. They are everything I hoped they would be. They are so very special to us.
There is 125 on the CD I have....so I am only posting a few of my favorites.
When I told Jeremy I wanted a photographer to come and take our pictures at the Temple, I don't think he was really enthusiastic about it.

I thought it would be better to do before our sealing so it wouldn't be so hot. So that meant we had to leave for the Temple at 9am. It was a mad rush to get out the door in time, and we left all the other stuff for the family to do. By the time we left I was getting annoyed that the boys were hungry, needed a drink...etc.
But we finally got to the Mesa Temple and my mood began to change.

I went in to change into my dress (which Jeremy hadn't seen). I got outside and we talked with Danielle (the photographer) about different shots we wanted.
It was really good for us to do that. It really helped us to slow down and relax. We went all over the Temple grounds. It was even more special because it was our Stake Temple Day, so as we were taking pictures, we kept seeing people we knew walk by.

Another reason it was so fun was because we had to kiss the whole time. And it wasn't just a quick kiss like normal, we had to hold it there. So really we were forced to kiss over and over.

Yes I do realize that Jayden is picking his nose....but ohwell. Whats really funny was he kept putting them on the photographer...good thing she's a mom.

Really Lucky

2009-09-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ok when you see the pictures on this post you may think I am crazy because of the title...but I don't feel that way.
Last night we went out riding with our neighbors. I rode one of their quads with Grayson and Jayden. Jeremy rode on his with Colby. Jeremy was the last in our line, he got tired of the dust from everyone and decided to make his own road. Well long story short,Jeremy and Colby flipped his quad. Jeremy just got a small scratch on his arm. We think the quad either landed on or hit Colby in the head.
We haven't really made our kids wear helmets when they are on with one of us. When Grayson rides on his own we make him wear a helmet, but not when they ride with us. So no one saw them crash, Jeremy made sure Colby was ok, and then caught up with us.
After we finally got home, Colby was ok. He was starting to get swollen in his face. We had a friend come over to check Colby out, because he wasn't hurt enough to take into the ER....but we wanted to make sure.
He just recommended watching him, told us what to watch for, and to ice his cheek and head.

He wouldn't let me take his picture so I had to wait for him to fall asleep. This morning its alot more purple, but Colby is doing good. He has a few scrapes on his back and chest. I kept him home from school so he could rest. He was joking he was going to crash more often so he could go to Subway for strawberry milk. And what makes it even worse is that he burnt his leg on the exhast 2 days before.

When I think of what could of happened it really scares me. You always hear about kids crashing and getting head injuries, and it killing them. We are so very thankful that Colby and Jeremy were both ok. I can hardly think about what could of happened without getting teary. I hope no one thinks I blame Jeremy, it wasn't his fault. I am just using this as a reminder that we really need to cherish our time with our family, and I shouldn't get upset about little things and waste that time being angry.
We will still continue to ride and let our kids ride, but you can be sure that they will always wear a helmet now.

You never know...A good experience I had today

2009-08-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ok so I don't really know if I can explain this clearly..but I am going to try. When I started the job that I currently have, people would (and still do) tell me that not everyone is going to listen. I know that, I am realistic. So my reply is always, "Well it is worth it if I get one kid to change their mind". So I started last March. In April I started teaching Abstinence Education in Willcox. I did the 10th and 11th graders. It was my first time teaching alone, and I had a really bad cold, and a GIANT cold sore on my upper lip. It was kinda funny, I just said it was a visual aid. So I wasn't really sure if I got thru to any of them, but oh well.
So today I went to a Career Fair at Willcox High School. I was kinda excited to see if any students recognized me. And most did. Well during the time that the seniors were in there, a senior boy came over to my table. He said, "Mrs. Sherman I just wanted to say thank you for coming and teaching us last year. And I decided to be abstinent after taking the classes." So I was like, "Oh that's awesome, gob job,...etc." And he said,"Yeah and I treat girls alot different now and I really changed the kind of girl I go out on dates with." So I again said, "Wow that's really cool.....etc." So I had some small talk with him for a few mintues and then I asked him what I had been asking all the other seniors, "What are your plans after you graduate?" He said, "I am going to stay around here for a few months and then I am going on a mission." I was so shocked, I had no idea this kid was LDS, and I don't know if he knew I was. So of course again I was like, "Oh thats great, congratulations...etc.."
When he first told me I was pretty happy for him. But later today as I drove home for Willcox I thought about it more, and it left a pretty big impression on me. I always told people that if I could change one kid, it would be worth it. But this boy, it just amazes me to think about. Not because he looks like a bad kid, but because of all the good he can do because of his choice. The long term affects it could have, not only on him but for others.
I dont' know if anyone else can appreciate this as much as I do....but I had to write about it.

Ava

2009-08-18T19:54:00.001-07:00

I have a new niece...her name is Ava. She was born Friday August 15th. Her favorite things are: Nursing, sleeping, riding in her car seat, and letting her big sister hold her.

I knew this day would come........

2009-08-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Having all boys and a very out-going husband.....I always knew that this day would come...it could not be avoided.

Yes we are the new owners of a cute little dirt bike. I have no idea what it is.. whatever numbers and letters...I have no idea. I was not too happy at first, especially because he didn't get a helmet. But I do have to admit its pretty cute. The boys were REALLY excited. Jeremy took turns taking each of them on rides. Jayden doesn't like his turn to end. They all thought it would be funny to see mommy ride it. So Jeremy took me on a ride too (apparently we didn't exceed the weight limit). I got even braver and had Jeremy show me how to work it and went on a solo ride. I figure if Grayson can ride it all by himself I can do it too.
Well we told the boys they have to wear shoes and pants when they ride, so when they want to ride they come ask, "Mommy please put my shoes on so I can ride the motorcycle." So I just tell them if they are old enough to ride it why do they need their Mommy to put their shoes on????

Back to School

2009-08-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Yey!!!! School is here once again. The boys were so excited for school, they were up at 6am dressed and ready to go. Niether one would eat any breakfast...they just wanted to know when we could leave already.

Colby is in kindergarten!!!! How crazy. He was super excited because he had all his friends in his class with him...like Mindy, Aaron and Addie. Last year in pre school there was only him and one other boy. So it was exciting when we went to class and saw there was alot of boys. He was really excited to eat lunch at school. He wasn't sad, he didn't cry, he just walked over and started playing.

Grayson was ready for second grade. At the open house the night before he started seeing his friends and saw who was in his class with him....he was so cute. He is in Mrs. Judd's class. She is a long time family friend so we were really glad he got her. She taught my younger brothers Josh and Nathan. Grayson said she has called him Nathan a few times already. When we went to school on the first day Grayson just left me in the parking lot, he didn't want me to walk him to class or anything....doesn't anyone need their mommy anymore????!?

When I took Grayson to kindergarten on the first day I took a picture with him on his teachers lap. So naturally I wanted to do the same with Colby....especially since Colby has Mrs. Brubaker too. But he would not leave the group of boys he was playing with....we finally talked him into it, and he just walked away...so Mrs. Brubaker rolled her chair over to him and I got him just before he got away.

Tried to make bread

2009-08-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have really been wanting to learn to make homemade bread. Mostly Jeremy wants me to learn. I just keep putting it off. Then I was reading The Work and The Glory, and they were talking about walking past someones campsite and smelling homemade bread. Then I started to fell guilty...imagine all the trouble they had to go thru to make it with no counter, or sink, or even an oven. And I had eveything I needed...except experience. So out of guilt I tried. It didn't turn out too bad. After a few days it wasn't as good, but it seemed ok.

Sherman Family Retreat

2009-08-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

We went on a Sherman Family Retreat in late July. We went to Pinetop, AZ. We did lots of fun stuff together, but mostly just hung out. We went on a hike and found this field of flowers. Something you can't see in the background was a very tall, dead tree the "boys" (our husbands) tried to push over.....it didn't work....but it was sure funny to watch. They eventually found a dead baby tree that they could push over...what big tough guys they are.

There was a day when the guys went fishing and us women and children stayed behind. Nona brought all the stuff to teach us to make jelly. She brought grapes from her garden and we taught Jennifer and Catlyn to make jelly/jam.

While we were making jelly, the guys went fishing. They rented boats and stayed out all day....without sunscreen. I have never heard so much whinning in my life. They burnt the tops of their knees and their arms and feet. What big babies!!! The only one justified was Jason because his ended up blistering.

It was really great to get away for the weekend and spend time together. Each of us had our own apartment. Grayson and Colby took turns sleeping next door with Grandma Nona.

There was always a kid under our feet. The first retreat we had, there was no kids...this time there was 11 kids...and we were missing 2. Next year we will add atleast one more, hopefully two. We laughed about how retreats will be when we have teenagers....and thats not to far away.

Four Things We Love About 4th of July

2009-07-26T20:58:00.001-07:00

1. You don't have to stay clean. I can get the kids dressed in their matching outfits, and I don't have to keep them from getting dirty! Everyone wins.

2. There's not a set schedule. Other holidays you have sooooo many things to do, you never get a chance to relax and have fun. The 4th of july is a "laid back, you don't have to do anything if you don't want to" day.

3. There is no prep work for 4th of July. You don't have to cook a big meal, clean your house, or buy any gifts. You just get to hang out, watch the parade and the fireworks....no clean up is needed!

4. You get to spend the time with anyone you want!!! Other holidays are mostly spent with family....not that we don't enjoy spending time with our familes. But on the 4th of July you can spend it with friends and not feel guilty.

The Disneyland Dash

2009-06-30T21:07:00.001-07:00

We went to Disneyland last weekend. But shhhhh.....don't tell our kids, we told them we were just going to a hotel for the weekend. So we decided to take another adult only vacation with Landon and Brea this summer. When they found out we had never been to Disneyland without kids (or not pregnant) we knew that was our place. At the last minute we thought we would leave Thursday night instead of waiting until Friday morning.....we wanted to be spontaneous. So we sleep all the way to Yuma while Landon drove. Then the next morning at 101 degrees or what they say was 10am we left for San Diego. In San Diego we went to the Temple there, had lunch, and went through a session. It was such a beautiful temple, but Mesa's Temple grounds I think are much better. We were in the car most of the day. But FINALLY we got to Anaheim. The next day we went to Disneyand. Landon and Brea had it planned out which ride to go to, and what order. So we followed their lead. The lines weren't too bad.....some rides we went on twice. We walked, and walked, and walked, until finally at dinner time we decided to leave for food. We ate at Bubba Gump's...it was REALLY good. Not quite sure if we were just starving to dealth, or it was really good. Then like the crazy people we are, we went back to Disneyland...until 11:30. We left to come home the next day, we had a little bit of confusion about going east or west.....but after a 3 hour detour we were on our way home. Jeremy and I were SO tired, and sore, and felt sick from all the food we ate, and spent more money than we had planned.....but we had so much fun, and laughed so much, and grew closer....it really was worth all those hours in the car.

Sneak Peak

2009-06-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Our wedding photographer finally posted a sneak peak for us...its only ONE picture but here is the link. www.daniellemoyersphotography.blogspot.com

Our first trip to the Temple

2009-06-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we went to the Temple for the first time together. I had never been inside before, and had only been there once. Jeremy had gone for baptisms for the dead when he was a teenager. But together as a married couple it was our first time. I felt confident going, up until we got in the car to actually go to the temple. I felt nervous and alittle bit scared. We had the prep class but you don't really know much about what happens. But once we got there I started to feel calm and my worries went away almost instantly. I honestly don't remember much about what was said, but I know I felt the spirit there. I am so happy that I have a husband that is worthy to take me there and to lead our family. I can't wait to go back. We were very blessed to have family there with us. We are thankful to Jason and Heidi for being are escorts, and being very patient with us. For letting us stay with you, and for all the hard work you did this weekend....we are very thankful. You have been wonderful examples to us. Also Landon and Brea thank you for coming, we are lucky to have friends like you, we always enjoy having you two around.

Colby's 5th Birthday

2009-06-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Wow Colby turned 5 today. That is so crazy. I can remember waking up in the middle of the night the day of my due date when my water broke. Then waiting for Jeremy to take a what seemed like a 2 hour shower. Then finally driving to the hospital, and finally Colby coming the next evening via c-section. I remember the cardiologist coming to my room the next day to talk about Colby's heart, and not quite understanding what was going on. Then having to re-tell it to Jeremy because he wasn't there when she came. I remember taking Grayson up to the NICU to see Colby thru the glass, and trying so hard not to break down and cry. I remember Jeremy's Dad and Grandpa coming and giving him a blessing. Then Colby had a procedure done. Finally after close to 2 weeks in the hospital, finally getting to bring him home. My nights of sleeping in the isolation room at UMC's NICU were over. We would take him every other day to the cardiologists in Tucson. Then it became once a week, then every other week, then once a month, then every other month. Then we were up to every 3 months, and now finally we go every 6 months. Colby has been a rule breaker from the beginning, he was supposed to be a sick skinny baby, but I guess no one told him, he was always very chubby. He was only supposed to make it to 2 maybe 3 months old before needing open heart surgery.....now he is 5 and hasn't needed it yet. But still every time he goes to the doctor I wonder if this will be "the time" we get bad news. But I know Colby is a strong little boy, and we are hopeful he gets to 10 before ever needing anything done.

Missing: Teeth

2009-06-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Grayson has had a loose tooth for quite some time now. We just kept waiting and waiting...but it would never come out. So this weekend we were at Jason & Heidi's house out by the pool, and he bit a squishy ball. Well then his tooth was REALLY loose. We kept trying to get him to let us just pull it out, and I warned him that it could fall out in his sleep and he might swallow it. But he wouldn't let us. So we just kept messing with it. So this morning (Monday) I went to work and came back home with some groceries. As soon as I came in the door he said," Mom I lost my tooth!" I was pretty excited because he is our oldest and the first to ever loose a tooth from natural causes and not just because the dentist pulled it out. So I asked him where it was, he just shrugged his shoulders. I was like what??! You don't know where your tooth is??! He says he lost in sometime during the night. So we looked in his bed, in his covers, under his pillow, on the floor.....nothing. So in this case his tooth really is lost.