Hoskins' Happenings

That moment

2011-05-13T17:08:00.003-06:00

You know that moment in your life when you realize you aren't as put together as you thought you were, or as you try to appear? I have had that moment. I hate, and I mean hate, asking for help. I will do whatever I can do to not have to ask for help. Don't get me wrong, I love to help other people when they are in a jam. Picking up kids from school, watching a neighbors kids while she runs errands, taking in a meal... you name it I am there to help. Being on the receiving end is not easy for me at all. This week it hit me that I really need to ask for help more often, or even just be willing to accept it when it is offered and not automatically respond that I am fine. Let me give you a little history as to how I hit this AH HA moment.

I went to the doctor for my regular 14 week check up. Knowing that it was going to be the standard, find the heartbeat, measure kind of appointment. So I asked one of my really good friends to watch Ethan while I went. Well while I was at the appointment I was informed by my wonderful doctor that I was going to need IV fluids. WHAT... for any of you that have had that before you know it is at least a 2 hour commitment. So I begrudgingly text my friend to see if it would be alright for her to keep Ethan. Of course she said yes, but in my head I am thinking of ways that I can pick Ethan up and then come back. After my first liter of fluid I am then told I will be on IVs for at least 7 days. In my head I am trying to figure out how all of this is going to work out when I have Ethan, and have to pick up kids from school.

Tuesday, I again begrudgingly call another neighbor to watch Ethan while I go to the clinic and learn how to do the IVs at home. Of course the hour long appointment ends up taking almost 3 hours... making it so I have to call another friend to get Allie from school. At this point I am literally dying because I have to ask for more and more help.

It continues this way, when my darling visiting teachers come over and see that I have a sink full of dishes and being washing them for me. For any of you that really know me, that was a mix of two emotions, one was of pure gratitude for their willingness to help out, and one of pure shame that I couldn't just get it done by myself.

Today, my kids went to play at a neighbors while I got my nails done. I cried all the way to the appointment because I was so grateful for all of the people that have helped me this week. Once at the appointment, the girl that does my nails is a very dear friend, I cried again. I explained how I was so grateful for every one's willingness to help out, but how I felt like such a failure that I couldn't just figure out a way to just do it all by myself.

I know it sounds silly, and even writing it out right now makes me think of how silly I am that it bothers me so much. But for some reason deep down it makes me feel like I am not as good as I would like to be because I have had to ask for help.

So what I want to know is, 1) have you had that moment where you have had to learn to ask for and accept help, or 2) have you always been the type to ask.

Going Private

2011-05-05T19:19:00.002-06:00

Now that the school year is coming to an end, I will have some time on my hands to blog, but I have made the decision to go private. If you would like to read this blog please comment with your email and I will make sure that I include you on my list.

Stay tuned.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

2010-07-11T15:47:00.000-06:00

My mom sent this to me as a email and I have watched it and cried through it over and over.
Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Inspiration

2010-06-25T08:04:00.003-06:00

So last night I was killing time after my kids were in bed and before Ryan was home from rehearsals. I was feeling a little down and having a pit of a pity party. I was looking around online and found the most amazing inspiration. There is a blog called www.neineidialogues.blogspot.com that touched my heart and made me take a step back and look at my life and count my blessings. This woman is an inspiration! She is a mother of 4 and a few years ago she and her husband were in a plane accident. She was in a coma for 3 months and suffered horrible burns. To hear the way she positively looks at her life is amazing and made me rethink my own. If you have a minute, check out her blog. She will strengthen you!

Chaos

2010-06-19T14:18:00.002-06:00

So the Hoskins's house has been a little on the crazy side lately... we have had many ups and downs, but it is hard to do more than just keep our heads above water as of late. We have had some major things happen the past few weeks. First of all Sheldon is now done with 1st grade. I can't believe how fast this year had gone. He is so smart and finished out the year reading above grade level, having crazy spelling words and still loving school as much as he did in Kindergarten. Allie is done with preschool. She is ready to start Kindergarten! She sings and dances all of the time and can't wait to go to the same school as Sheldon. Ethan is taking up a storm. It is weird to hear people ask me how old he is and when I say two they don't believe me because of the sentences he can put together. Ryan is now working at the Lion House Bakery at 2 am, then he goes to Titan and works until 4:30 or 5:00, then hurries home to have dinner with us and goes to rehearsals for Hello Dolly at 6:30 until about 10:00. I am working with the PTA again, learning how to make bread and freezer jam and trying to hold down the fort while everyone goes a million miles an hour. Life has been crazy, but we have been blessed in ways that we didn't realize.

Accident Prone

2010-03-12T12:28:00.002-07:00

Ryan while growing up was a pretty accident prone kid. His mom tells stories about many trips to the emergency room. I on the other hand have never broken a bone at the first time I had stitches was after having Sheldon. It has always been my fear that I would have kids that would follow in his footsteps. With the first two kids we haven't had that problem. No stitches or broken bones, knock on wood, but then Ethan came along...Since turning 2 he has fallen off of the bar stool and knocked himself out, and yesterday he was jumping on the bed and hit his head on my head board and split it open. Sigh! At least he is a trooper and after a couple of minutes he is his same old happy go lucky self and it all doesn't seem to affect him, but it this is a precursor for what I have to look forward to, one or both of us is going to have to be locked in a patted room! :)

March... so far.

2010-03-05T13:30:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago (the 18th of February) I got a call from the office staff at Sheldon's school. They were in need of a sub for the afternoon and were wondering if I could come and take the class. I told them that would be fine and headed over. The last Wednesday of February I went to the district office to fill out my paperwork so that I could be paid. Monday morning I got a call to Sub, which I took, I got one Tuesday morning that I did take, Wednesday I took it, and didn't take the one on Thursday. So needless to say this subbing gig could be come full time! I have very mixed emotions about that, but that is a whole different post.

Yesterday was my baby's 2nd birthday. Can you believe it? He is such a fun little one to have in the house. He is always making us laugh with his silly faces and games. Anytime he hears music he asks me to dance with him. He is a big Mommy's boy, but is so good natured that he really loves everyone. We sure do love our little E.

It has been a long time...

2010-01-08T13:12:00.002-07:00

The Hoskins' house sure has been busy over the past few months. So busy in fact there hasn't been much time for anything else, but one of my New Year's Resolutions is to blog a lot more often... we will see how that goes :)

My kids are growing up way to fast for my liking. Sheldon is one very smart kid! We have been enjoying our off track time by reading Harry Potter together. He has such an imagination sometimes that it is fun to hear the ideas of the story that are going on in his head. He reads non-stop and loves anything to do with math or spelling. He also love to do hip-hop and enjoys the music that goes along with it.

Allie is a diva in every sense of the word! She loves to dress up and be girly. She is starting to read and write and loves to draw pictures and make cards for everyone. She is dancing still and starting to show tons of progress. She loves her daddy and tells me daily that she is a daddy's girl.

Ethan is so big and talkative that I forget he isn't even two yet. I came into the kitchen the other day and found him standing on the bar... when I asked him what he was doing he calmly replied, "I just standing here Mommy." He loves to play with his big kids and walks around the house calling for Shel-shel or Princess whenever they are gone at school. But his favorite thing to do is snuggle.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful kids!

The Eighth Dwarf... BUSY

2009-10-02T09:53:00.002-06:00

My wonderful sister posted this as her status the other day and I loved it so much I figured that I would use it. Thanks Kim!! The Hoskins' house sure has been busy the past few weeks, but I think we are finally settling in and getting used to our routine.

Ryan is working two jobs right now, plus studying Spanish medical terms in hopes of getting a better paying second job. He leaves for work at 4:30 and most days isn't home from work until 6:00. He is working so hard, and I am so grateful for the husband and father that he is.

Sheldon is doing great in school. He really loves everything about it. It seems like he is gone the whole day, which makes it hard, but when he comes home and says it was awesome it makes it all worth it. He also is taking a Hip Hop class. He is doing really well and loves to get out his energy with the cool moves and great music.

Allie is busy with preschool. She loves her teacher and comes home everyday singing new songs. She is taking ballet and tap as well. She loves to dance and sing and is always doing some from of them.

Ethan is getting so big and fun. He loves to cuddle and will grab your hand and take you to the couch or bed and tell you he needs to snuggle. He loves to play with Sheldon and Allie, but also loves it when he has just Mommy around. As soon as he hears the garage door open he runs to it yelling, "Daddy, Daddy!" He repeats just about every word that is said in the house. He is always caring around a blanket and his stuff frog from Grandma.

As for me I am busy with PTA, Reflections, cleaning, cooking, carpooling and Zumba.

So as you can see the Hoskins' house is busy, but we are enjoying life and having fun!

Cornerstone Ceremony

2009-09-11T16:49:00.003-06:00

Ryan had the chance to sing with the Cornerstone Choir for the Oquirrh Mountain temple and because it was outside the kids were able to attend. We snapped a few pictures before they started singing and the ceremony happened. I have to tell you that was the most amazing experience to watch my three little ones be a foot away from the Prophet and to feel the power of the Spirit and the effect it had on them.

Sheldon and Allie found a Prying Mantis and were telling him why they were there and if he liked to live by the temple.

Ethan just loved walking around the grounds and say, "Pretty" to everything and everyone he walked by.

Having the chance to be at both the Draper Temple and the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedications and having my wonderful husband sing at both of them, I can say that having my kids at the temple and feeling that Spirit gave me a
small vision at how wonderful this plan really is.

Back to school (only a week late)

2009-09-03T14:20:00.003-06:00

Sheldon is now in all day school. When I say all day I mean 8:55 to 3:50. He really does love it and I am starting to get used to the idea.

He is in a brand new school that is just wonderful. They have these pencils as all of the support beams. The bathrooms have stick figure boys and girls made out of tile instead of the signs. It is really a happy place to be.

Blowing kisses to Mrs. Moulton his Kindergarten teacher that he has a major crush on!

His attitude because he was done with pictures and wanted to just get to school already.

It really is an amazing thing to see your child growing up and accomplishing so many things. He really loves school and everything about it. I know that has a lot to do with his wonderful Kindergarten teacher. I could have not asked for a better person to introduce him to school.

Gardening

2009-08-31T13:39:00.003-06:00

Okay, I know it has been a million years since I blogged, but we are finally settling down into a new routine and I will again have time to update. The first one I wanted to start with is the harvest we had from our garden after being gone for the weekend.

The kids enjoying the pickles we canned 3 weeks ago. Really they are the best pickles I have ever had. We can't wait to get the rest of them done.

What we picked from just this weekend. We will be canning, pickles, salsa, tomato soup and making zucchini bread and cookies this week.

Everything!

Holy cow have we been blessed!

Once we get the canning all done I will blog the products!

Happy Birthday Day Allie Grace

2009-07-17T13:47:00.003-06:00

Time sure does fly, and as I look back over the 4 years that Allie girl has been in our life I have to smile for the joy that she has brought us, and breath a sign of relief that we have made it this far with a healthy, happy little girl.

Allie right after coming into this word. This is the only picture we got of her alone before she was taken into the nursery for her oxygen.

Sick little Allie, with her feeding tube and lights for the jaundice.

At Primary Children's at 5 weeks. For and unexplained fever.

Pictures for Daddy's birthday.

Always bright eyed and full of wonder. This is Allie at 6 months.

Allie's first birthday

Her second birthday

Her third birthday

And finally a couple of pictures of what Allie does best!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXANDRA GRACE!

Splash Park with The Richards

2009-07-13T12:29:00.003-06:00

We have some really good friends for our Draper ward that we love dearly, and a couple of weeks ago they came our to our house for dinner and fun. We started out at the splash park and had a blast!

Ethan was more interested in eating the watermelon than actually playing in the water.

Cute Aubray and Austen. We love hanging out with them.

Ry-ry. Isn't he so darling. He's my boyfriend!

Azlyn was brave and actually got in the splashing water.

The girls getting it started. Allie and Azy are best friends!

We had a blast and were glad that the Richards could come and play with us!

Garden

2009-07-09T14:56:00.002-06:00

So the Hoskins' house sure has been busy this summer, but I am finally getting around to posting pictures of the garden... these are about 2 weeks old so things are bigger, but it gives you the idea at least.

The yummy peas. We have picked all of these since this picture. I think we did a great job for our first attempt at peas.

Starting from the left we have carrots, green onions, red onion, and white onions. Next to that are the cucumbers, but you can't really see them in the picture.

Tomatoes, 26 plants in all. They have all grown up and over their cages now.

The zucchini.

First row of corn, we have 10 total. We planted 2 rows from starts and at the same time planted 3 rows of seed. When the seed grew to about 3 inches tall we planted the rest of them.

Along with all of these we have, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, crock neck squash, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, crenshaw melon, Anaheim peppers, jalapeno, Serrano peppers, banana pepper and finally a red potato and a russet.

It has been a lot of work, but it sure has been fun!

Growing up to fast.

2009-06-17T22:13:00.003-06:00

I try to teach my kids Independence and allow them to so things that are a bit of a stretch for kids their age. I like them to pour their own drinks (if the pitcher isn't to full) I let them make their own snacks. I have them make their own beds (and I don't go in and fix them when they are done.) Today Allie asked if she could have a carrot. I told her that she could help herself. Now mind you that I'm not really a big fan of the baby carrots. If I have my choice I will always choose the regular ones. Well after she asked me, while I was putting Ethan down for a nap, this is what I found.

Okay, again ignore the stuff on the counter, I'm still finding a home for everything, but look at how big she is. Not one carrot skin was left on the counter, and no fingers were injured. Some times I look at her and wonder where the time has gone. She is almost 4 and growing up to be so big. Time sure does fly!

Dancing Allie

2009-06-15T16:01:00.003-06:00

Allie takes dance at a great studio run by one of my friends. This past weekend was their dance recital so I snapped a few pictures of Allie before we left for the recital.

Um, don't mind the box of pictures in the back ground. We moved everything out of the Draper house Saturday because the buys are closing this week and I didn't have time to put it all away before the recital.

Some days I look at her and just can't get over how darling she is. I just love this picture of her.

It was a great recital. She did a great job too!

Animal report and end of year program

2009-06-11T18:46:00.002-06:00

Okay, it has been awhile, but we have been having a blast the past few weeks. First of all, Sheldon did his very first report for school. He chose to do it on giraffes. We had a chance to go up and watch his report and he did a really great job.

Sheldon being crazy!

On Tuesday Allie had her year end program. It was darling! I love New Castle School and will be sad next year when she doesn't go there anymore. They sang a ton of songs and had props and musical instruments. It was awesome!

Here she is waving at the camera!

Isn't she cute?

I just love how excited she was for this day!

All and all we have been pretty busy. Next on our list is the Princess Festival with Nana, then a dance recital, Sheldon has his school field trip to the Zoo and his year end program. So watch for some great posts. Plus I will be posting pictures of the wonderful things that are happening in the garden!

T-ball field trip

2009-05-13T15:51:00.004-06:00

Allie's T-ball coach is a helicopter pilot for the army or national guard, and because we didn't have a game on Monday he invited us to take a tour of the Army Heliport. It was really very cool. We got to climb inside a Black Hawk Helicopter. Here are some of the pictures that we took.

Coach JT, Allie and Sheldon next to the Apache helicopter

Ryan and I kissing in the Black Hawk Helicopter

The members of the team that came to the tour and Coach

Sheldon "flying" the helicopter

Allie talking to the other helicopters on the mission! :)

Allie and Sheldon on the top of the Black Hawk

Allie and Coach

Ethan even thought it was awesome... he talked my ear off about everything he saw.

Sheldon flying

Isn't she just so dang cute.

Easter

2009-04-17T16:28:00.004-06:00

Easter at our house was a blast. We started the Friday before with egg dying.

Ethan just like the colors and wanted to drop the eggs.

Allie and her pretty pink egg. Bet you can't guess her favorite color.

Sheldon loved this blue one.

The end result!

Sunday after church we went to Ryan's parents for Easter lunch. Then Ryan's mom (Nana) had a few fun activities for the kids... okay all of us! :)

Sheldon forming rice crispy treats into eggs.

Mimi (Ryan's sister) Bade (Allie couldn't say Dave, Mimi's husband)

and Allie making their eggs.

Nan showing the kids the next project, making macaroon bird nests.

Mimi and the kids working on the nests. Or eating them if you were Allie!

The nest almost done. Then they were baked and the kids put jelly beans and chocolate eggs into them... I think I age most of these, they are my favorite cookies!

After the Hoskins house we went to my family for an Easter Egg Hunt, (which I need to get the pictures off of my mom's camera) and dinner. Once I get the pictures there will be another post of the Anderson family fun!!

At the aquarium with the Tidwells

2009-04-15T12:52:00.003-06:00

So now that we have moved back into the house we were at before Draper we have rekindled a great friendship with the Tidwells. Jessica and I decided to take the kids to the aquarium over Spring Break. It was so much fun, and we can't wait to go back.

Allie loved this little sting ray.

Sheldon, Ethan and Zoe. Ethan loves fish and could have stayed at the aquarium all day.

Good thing we got the season pass so that we can go anytime.

I love turtles... every time I see them I think of the ones from "Nemo" "Righteous, righteous!!)

So I got in trouble, because I used my flash, but I couldn't pass up this picture... she wasn't quite sure if she liked him or not.

Everyone checking out the eels.

Home improvement project 4

2009-04-03T12:19:00.003-06:00

We have been really busy working on projects the past few days... the latest project is the bathroom. Here are some before and after pictures.

Before:

After:

Home improvement project 3

2009-04-02T14:25:00.003-06:00

So a couple of months ago I was watching HGTV and saw this really cool wall decoration. I just loved it and would talk about it to anyone who would listen. Well my wonderful husband (I'm sure was because he was so sick of me talking about it.) built it for me. I think it turned out amazing and makes the living room one of my favorite rooms..

Close up.

The whole effect.

It is great because it is such a big odd shaped wall and finally it looks great rather than just big. Thanks Babe!

Signs of Spring!

2009-03-31T16:59:00.004-06:00

So one plus of this whole experience is that Ryan and I have decided that we need to be more self reliant and plant a large garden this year. Last night we started that endeavor. We moved some dirt and planted peas. YUMMY!

Here are our nice rows, and if you look closely you and see one little pea that Allie placed.

Sheldon loves the idea of having a garden and watering it and watching things grow. He was such a hard worker, he planted all of the snow peas and then wanted to water them all last night.

I even got my hands dirty and planted the rest of the peas Allie was too cold to do. It really was cold out there last night.

Our nice rows of peas... in 7 to 10 days we should have some plants growing out of the dirt, and then mid to end of May we should have a ton to harvest!

Ice Cream Anyone?

2009-03-30T16:45:00.003-06:00

So for the past couple of days the big treat at the Hoskins house has been ice cream. I'm sure it is because we have so much left over from the recent birthday parties, but I picked up some cones and we have had it for dessert the past few nights. Here are some cute pictures of the kids enjoying their yummy dessert!

(don't mind the messy desk... I'm still trying to find a place for everything.)

Isn't that the cutest messy face that you have seen?

He actually likes the cone... it is so funny.

Allie couldn't decice what flavor she wanted, so she got all three. She said it was okay, because she is three. Silly girl!

Sheldon didn't really want his picture taken, because he was playing computer,

but I got one anyway.

Happy Birthday Sheldon

2009-03-24T15:19:00.005-06:00

Okay so this post is a little late, but I finally have a few minutes and my real computer set up, so I am going to wish Sheldon an happy birthday 4 days late.

I just can't believe that he is six already. Time sure has gone by fast. Then next thing you know he is going to be going a a mission. :)

Sheldon at his first birthday... it was a Hollywood party.

(Looking at Ethan now I really see how much he and his big brother look alike!)

His second birthday. Ryan had spent hours frosting the Blue's Clues cake. He get the basketball hoop and ball and wouldn't let it go all night.

I couldn't find pictures of Sheldon's third or forth birthday, but he did play t-ball that year. Isn't he cute.

Sheldon's 5th birthday was at the little gym, because I had Ethan two weeks before.

Now he is a six year old. He can read, and write, he loves to draw and do anything that involves electrics. He is a big help around the house, but is still a 6 year old and shows it! ;)

Sheldon also lost his first tooth right before his birthday. Holy Cow I'm old!

Happy first birthday Ethan

2009-03-06T15:11:00.002-07:00

So I am a little late posting these, but my cute little baby turned one on Wednesday. We had a fun day that included lunch with Daddy, the McDonald's play place, spaghetti dinner and cake. Allie helped me pick out these cute cupcakes.

He was very delicate with the first couple of bites,

Then he figured out that it was yummy and worth getting messy for.

The it was all over and there was no keeping it from him... he even turned the bath water green!

Tomorrow is the extended family party, so we will take more pictures then.

Project number two

2009-02-19T14:00:00.003-07:00

Okay, so here are the before and after of the doggy door.

Look what we did!

2009-02-13T13:33:00.003-07:00

So my before picture is saved on the other computer, but I can describe what it looked like. Picture the hole in the wall above the fireplace, the fireplace, and what looked like a picture

frame. Well my wonderful husband took off the picture frame mantle and gave me this.

Our next project is the dogie door. Pictures coming soon.

Life is crazy and unpredictable

2009-01-27T19:44:00.002-07:00

So about two weeks ago we moved in with my gracious parents. Last week we found out that the people who have been renting out Herriman house were not going to pay the rent and as a result, move out. We went out on Saturday and were surprised by the fact that they had framed in and insulated the basement. So we have decided that we are going to move into the house. It needs some work done, and so cleaning, but it will be fun to have some projects and to get our hands dirty. I will take pictures of the house and post them, and then as we work to finish things I will post pictures too. Hopefully by then I will have my real computer plugged in so that I can download pictures.

Family Fun

2008-12-27T20:42:00.007-07:00

Because we have been so busy with the Draper Arts Councils production of "Christmas Without Mr. C" we haven't been able to enjoy a lot of the family fun that comes along with the Christmas season. We were finally able to enjoy some of the as we slowed down to celebrate Christmas.

First of all it was Ethan's first Christmas. He enjoyed the wrapping of his big brother and sisters gifts more than he enjoyed the gifts he actually got, but he was still fun to watch.

We had plenty to be grateful for this year, and most of that came from the fact that we are all happy and healthy.

After spending Christmas going from our house to Ryan's parents house to my parents house it was nice to get into bed early and relax.

Yesterday morning we got up to some great snow and so we deiced to take the kids sledding.

My pictures are a little bright, but you get the idea. The empty white space in the middle of Sheldon and Ryan is actually Allie. She has a white snow suit and gets lost in the snow.

Cute Allie after her first trip down the hill

Finally today was the annual Hoskins' Family Party. We go ice skating every year. Every other year I can actually ice skate, but Ryan was playing broom hockey when I finally got the kids fed and was able to get out on the ice, so there aren't any pictures of me. I really did skate, I promise.

Ethan just loving the idea of being the center of attention with all the adults around

Allie skating by herself pushing the bucket. She did however get a private lesson with Ryan's cousins wife who teaches skating for a living.

And Sheldon proving that he is big and can do everything by himself.

All and all we have had a wonderful couple of days as a family. We are very grateful that we could spend some quality time together. If makes you see what is really important.

As for the questions about my previous post. Yes we are moving. Due to some financial issues we are moving in with my parents for a few months. Hopefully things will start going a little better for us and it won't be fore to long. We will be moving in the middle of January.

Sorry

2008-12-12T14:58:00.002-07:00

Okay, so I haven't been the best blogger as of late. We have been very busy with the play, trying to get things ready so we can move and just being a busy family of 5. I have thought so many time that I need to blog, but life just gets in the way and things start to fall apart. The Hoskins family is a bunch of very tired people who have very little time that isn't taken up by something. I think however that in a week things will slow down and I will be able to share all of the craziness that we have been so busy with.

Stay tuned!

Random thoughts Wednesday

2008-11-19T08:45:00.002-07:00

So I'm stealing Emily's idea and doing random thoughts today. Since my life is a little Topsy-turvy that is kind of how things are in my head.

Why is it that the mornings you can't sleep in, your kids do sleep in? And why when you can sleep in they are up at the crack of dawn?

40 little kids in one space is just way to many.

Why do you have to have Parent Teacher conferences with Kindergartners when you are in their class at least once a month anyway?

Why is it that when you have way to much to do you always seem to get it done, but when you don't have very much to do you can never get it done?

Can you ever really have enough shoes?

Okay... that is probably enough randomness for one day.

Have great Wednesday!

We have put Ethan to work!

2008-11-13T10:00:00.003-07:00

Last night Ethan decided that he was a big boy and could help us out with some of our work.

I guess the mouse tasted really good. :)

He was telling us that he needed some time alone to get all of the work done.

He hands are a little small to type, so he has to do the chicken peck.

He also had a couple of memos to write and some papers to fill out! :)

Isn't he a cute kid!

My Best Friend!

2008-11-07T09:38:00.003-07:00

I think that a lot of times in our lives we take for granted the things that are most important to us. I for one am very guilty of just assuming that my best friend knows how grateful I am for him. When in all actuality I really do need to express it more. I have been blessed with an amazing eternal companion. He is the love of my life, my best friend, and one of my heroes. I know that I don't tell him nearly enough how grateful I am for who he is. He is loving and gentle, ambitious and truly amazing. I watch him stretch himself with new things and am awed by how he can put himself out there all the time. In the past few months he has tried so many new things and been success for at them. I on the other hand am very afraid to stretch my limits and as a result never really try anything new. He is a example of perseverance to me on a very regular basis. Ryan, I love you very much and thank Heavenly Father daily for allowing me to have you as my best friend.

p.s. Babe, I almost made it through this without crying. :)

Fun little post.

2008-10-30T16:52:00.003-06:00

Okay I so I stole this off of Jenny's blog. (Thanks Jenny for the cute idea.)

Go you your pictures folder, then go to your 4th folder and the take the 4th pictures. Then give a little description of what it is.

Allie at Temple Square. Daddy asked her to smell the flower!

Okay now it is your turn. It's kind of fun to see what you have in your files.

Family Pictures at Draper Park

2008-10-22T15:50:00.008-06:00

On Friday we decided to go enjoy the sunshine and take the kids to the park to do some family pictures. He is what we ended up with.

Ethan has just started sitting up on his own. Ryan thinks this caption should be:
"What are you looking at?"

Don't they look so cute. Sheldon has decided that now he has to play this super "Joe Cool" thing every time he sees a camera

Look Lisa it is actually a picture of me! Allie was crying so I picked her up to give her a love and this is the face she pulled when Daddy said smile. Even with tears she still smiles for the camera.

My cute boys.

All in all I think we got some cute pictures... now I just have to decide which ones to print. :)

This is what happens when your kids are quiet

2008-10-21T14:08:00.004-06:00

So when I was a teenager and young adult, before I had my own kids I used to laugh when parents said that their kids were being to quiet. I always thought if they are quiet aren't they being good and not killing each other. I soon learned that this is the kind of things that happens when kids get quiet.

What year do you belong in?

2008-10-17T14:54:00.001-06:00

I saw this on one of my friends blogs and thought it was cute. Try it out.

You Belong in 1958

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Happy 30th Birthday Ryan

2008-10-16T07:20:00.000-06:00

My darling, wonderful, perfect, loving, amazing husband turns 30 today!

Lets take a little walk down memory lane,

Ryan, his mom and older sister Brooke,

Ryan and the great yellow couch.

This is where my kids get it. :)

Isn't he such a stud?

Cute family when Ryan was 4

Big brother Ryan holding baby Phil

Ryan's family picture

Ryan's family picture with every one's favorite things

Isn't he cute... our wedding day 2001

Our cute little family pre-Ethan, 2006

Ryan Loves the cabin and playing in the river... he is just one of the kids

Babe, I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I am so lucky to have you in my life.

I can't imagine what I would ever do if you weren't by my side forever.

I love you forever and always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Concentration

2008-10-08T07:45:00.004-06:00

In our entryway we have a large window on the second story, and this time of year in the sun comes through it in the afternoon and makes a great warm spot. Yesterday I took Allie in to go potty and this is what I found.

Sheldon loves to pretend he is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

He does his "concentrating" to get his energy back.

Historic Event

2008-10-07T12:20:00.006-06:00

Look Ryan I'm actually posting. I know Historic. :P

So the past few weeks I have been in over my head with Super Saturday, Soccer, Dance, School, Doctor Appointments, and cleaning that I just haven't been able to really do or think about much else. Well the other night the family was helping me with some cleaning and I just couldn't help

snapping a couple of pictures.

Okay I know, something about slave labor, or child work laws. But doesn't she look cute vacuuming? She also said that it was her favorite thing to do, after putting way her laundry.

Sheldon vacuumed his room too, but I failed to get pictures of that. So next time I have them vacuum he will be in on the pictures. I just didn't want you all to think that we just make Allie do the vacuuming, it is not just a girl job at our house. :)

Go Away Big Green Monster

2008-09-30T20:16:00.004-06:00

So....Allie needs to develop a personality. She is really quite boring...........or not. Just check out this video of her reading her favorite bedtime story to mom.

Humility

2008-09-29T10:20:00.003-06:00

If you had asked me back a couple years where I would be in my career today, I would certainly not have told you that I'd be seriously considering a career change. Two years ago, my plan was to make about 10 times what I'm actually making right now (and it wasn't that unrealistic.)
I can hear the words of Alma ringing in my ears...."Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? (Alma 5:27)" Apparently I haven't because the past year and half has been more and more humbling.

A few months back, my Mom and Dad asked if they could come over to our house to talk to us. (is that EVER a good thing?) They shared with us some new things they had learned and told us that they were determined that their children have a food storage. They knew that most of us kids weren't really in a position to just go out and purchase a years supply of food. They had started the process of liquidating my fathers retirement account in order to make sure that their children had a food storage supply.

I have to be honest that at first I thought they had gone off the deep end (luckily they found a life preserver somewhere and have their feet planted back solidly on dry ground.) But I tried to open my mind to what they were saying and Kelsey and I have really tried to do what we can to get our food storage in order. We went from having a couple boxes from the cannery to having a year supply of most of the basic food items within a couple months. This is largely due to my parents drive to make sure that we are all prepared.

I used to think that food storage would come in really handy if there was an earthquake and I couldn't get to Harmons. I thought that it was for an emergency. I cannot tell you how important having our food storage has become. As I have seen more and more of my clients quitting the business and our families income and savings hit rock bottom, I have truly realized that food storage is absolutely for emergencies. It is just that sometimes those emergencies are only emergencies for our family. We used to spend a couple hundred bucks at Harmon's every time we went shopping. Without the ability to do that, we have started looking at our food storage like our own grocery store. We spend only a few bucks at the store when we need produce or a particular item, and we have tried to structure our menus around what we have available in our house. I can't tell you how good powdered milk tastes. (Yes...it does actually taste good...especially when you know that it's helping you to get through the tough times) Our food storage is a huge blessing to us and we owe that 100% to the drive and passion that my mother feels about having an adequate supply. Rick and Kaye have also helped by taking us to Costco and filling our freezer with veggies and meat to help us get through this.

Alma asks "Behold, are ye stripped of pride?" Apparently not. But I can promise you that I'm making progress. Thanks largely to the amazing love and support I feel from my beautiful family and both sets of my parents.

Now I'm trying to make lemonade. :) I just passed my test to get a license to sell Health and Life Insurance with a great neighbor of ours who has offered to mentor me to get me started in the business. So if anyone needs health or life insurance, give me a call. I'm determined to make some really good lemonade. (Just don't plan on catching me in a funny striped outfit with a weird hat on squishing lemons in a bucket....I'm still a little too proud for that.)

I don't want this to come across as "Oh woe is me" because when you compare our troubles to what our savior endured for us, ours is insignificant. Instead, I really want you to understand how grateful I am for parents (both mine and Kelsey's) that are in tune enough with the spirit to help us to prepare when even we weren't looking far enough into the future to see this coming.

Life Happens...

2008-09-16T11:30:00.004-06:00

Yeah....life happens. You know that phrase about making lemonade out of lemons? Doesn't it seem sometimes that even if you did make lemonade out of the lemons you were handed that it would be so sour that you couldn't drink it? Sometimes life and our burdens can weigh so heavily on us that we feel like we may never get unburied.

Kelsey and I are in one of those times right now. I work in the title industry. With the housing market in one of its worst slumps in years, my income has been shaved to about 1/5 of what I was making last year. That wouldn't be a problem if we hadn't just bought a beautiful new home, or if we had been able to sell our old home and get the equity out of it. But the combination of all of these things has created a bit of a "perfect storm" for us and have really been teaching us some of lifes difficult lessons.

Then, to make things just a little more interesting, I decided to do another play. I love performing and have a really good time doing it, but it is a HUGE time commitment. It is truly like having a part time job that you don't get paid for. Not only am I a lead in the play, I'm also on the Draper Arts Council, so I have been very involved in the ticketing, advertising, set construction, etc. as well. It has been very fun for me to get involved in theater again. I remember now how much I love to be on stage. But this experience has definitely come with a hefty price tag. For the past three months, I have been in rehearsals Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays for 4 hours per day. The past month it has been Monday through Saturday. You can imagine the strain it has put on my sweet wife. We have joked about her being a single mom, but it really has been more true than I would like to admit.

In addition to taking on all the extra responsibilities that she would need to without me around, Kelsey has been taking care of the kids, coordinating school schedules, arranging soccer practices, donig her calling and basically being a super-woman. She has been stalwart and amazingly strong as she has battled through each day.

I don't mean to weigh you down with our problems. I just wanted to add a little bit of sugar to that bitter lemonade that we've been trying to make. I wanted you all to know what an amazing woman Kelsey is. She has put up with more in the past couple months than any wife should have to. She brightens my days and makes me want to be a better man. I am grateful to my gracious Father in Heaven that he has blessed my life with such an amazing, patient, beautiful woman. Kels - I love you!

When life hands you lemons, try to make sure the juice doesn't squirt in your eye as you're making lemonade. And find some sugar to add to it....it'll make it easier to drink!

-Ryan

Poor baby

2008-09-11T12:37:00.002-06:00

I took Ethan in for his 6 month appointment and found out that he only gain 4 oz. in two months. Not good. :( Both the pediatrician and the lactation specialist told me that I should stop nursing and feed Ethan bottles and baby food. He needs to increase his calorie intake by 10% for the next month and then we will see how much he gains and see if we need to try something else. He is such a happy kid that you would never know that he is starving. I guess I should have figured something was up when he still wears 0-3 month clothes. :) Bad mom!

Thoughtful Post

2008-09-05T19:12:00.003-06:00

Normally my posts have a lot to do with what is going on at the Hoskins' house. Today I guess that is also true, but it is going to have a little bit of a different touch.

As a member of the Relief Society presidency I have the chance to teach a lesson every few months. I happen to be teaching on Sunday and have been on my knees a lot the past few days trying to come up with something to teach about. This morning it hit me. I have been doing a lot of personal research on confidence and self-worth, and I got wondering if anyone else feels the way I do. I think that a lot of the time in our lives as stay at home moms we feel as though the things we do day in and day out really don't seem to matter. No one applauds me when I make a really great pan of Macaroni and cheese. The only time anyone notices that the laundry seems to magically get done every week is when it doesn't get done for some reason and they don't have underpants in their draws. I don't get a pat on the back for getting the kids to school on time, or remembering to sign the endless things that come home from school. And I don't get a bonus when the baby gets to the doctor appointments every time, or the treat for class are already in the school bag before the kids walk out of the door. Yet, day in and day out I do those things. Do you ever wonder why? I have been thinking a lot today that there is a very fine line between knowing your self worth and still trying to be humble. President Hinckley always had the personal philosophy, that I think would be something that would greatly enrich my life it I could adopt it. He said, "I believe in myself. I do not mean to say this with egotism, but I believe in my capacity...to make some contribution to the society of which I am a part, [and] to grow and develop. ... I believe in the principles that I can make a difference in this world, be it ever so small." Today is my day to step back from the details of my live and reacquaint myself with the big picture. Everyday that my kids go to school with clean clothes on, all of the proper things in their back packs and a kiss before they walk out my door, I am making a small contribution to the world, because I am raising kids who know that they are loved and can function in this world. Everyday that I take a minute out of my crazy life to talk to a friend in need I am contributing because I am making the world around me a better place to be. I do believe in karma... what goes around comes around. I have become so preoccupied with my own weaknesses and that of faith in the Lord's ability to use those weaknesses for my good. Dr. Thomas Harris made the wise observation on insecurity and confidence: "Most people never fulfill their human promise and potential because they remain perpetually helpless children, overwhelmed by a sense of inferiority. The felling of being okay does not imply that the person has risen above all his faults and emotional problems. It merely implies that he refuses to be paralyzed by them." I think that for me, and maybe for some of you, to often I wallow in my weaknesses so much that I don't allow "weak things" to "become strong." then use the guise of humility, when in all reality it is a lack of confidence.

I am challenging myself to believe in what I am doing and with that, believe in who I am. I was put here for a reason and if the only reason is to raise strong, productive and confident people that in and of itself is something really amazing.

First day of School!

2008-08-26T16:02:00.004-06:00

Today was Sheldon's first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe that I have a child old enough for public school. He got on the bus at 7:50 this morning, and was as happy as could be. Mom on the other hand cried on the walk home, and then followed the bus up to school to make sure that he was okay. :(

Last week he had his assessments and so we snapped a couple of pictures inside the school.

Here he is by his class room door with his name on the wall. He was really excited to see his name on the bear.

He really wanted to show me that he could open the door by himself. That is what big kids do.

I'm sure that tomorrow I will have to do the same thing and follow the bus up, but hopefully by the end of the week I will be able to just let go. :)

Just a little side note: Ryan said that only really cool boys could wear pink to the first day of Kindergarten and make it look great! Thanks Grandma for all the wonderful school clothes!

First day of School

2008-08-19T21:14:00.000-06:00

Today is Allie's first day of preschool. I'm not sure if I am happy or sad about it. She is so excited that she is now a big girl!

She loved the sandbox at the schools play ground. Which surprised me a little because she doesn't really like to have dirty hands.

She wanted to make sure I got a picture of her happy school face. She is going to have no problem with me leaving her at school twice a week. :)

She is cute even when she isn't sleeping. :)

Tired Allie

2008-08-18T16:08:00.002-06:00

Allie had a bit of a melt down today. While she was sitting on the stairs she got really quite and when I went to look this is what I found.

I would have let her sleep longer, but if she gets a nap during the day then she doesn't sleep at night and then the next day she is a bit of a handful.

The Great Green Jell-o Festival

2008-08-13T14:33:00.003-06:00

Every year out stake has a Jell-o Festival. I was just cleaning off my camera card preparing for the first day of school and I found these pictures of Sheldon, Ryan and Allie rock climbing.

Cabin weekend

2008-08-10T17:31:00.003-06:00

First of all, no I haven't finished the book yet. I keep trying, but I have so many other things that can't wait that I have to read mostly at night when the kids are in bed and Ryan is in rehearsals. Life for me is a little out of control. It is hard to be a single mom most days of the week. Ryan's mom has been helping us get our 1 year supply of food storage, so most spare minutes of the day is wrapped up in that. We have all been sick, except Ryan, and Sheldon starts Kindergarten in a couple of weeks. So needless to say I'm a bit out of control.

Anyhow, last weekend with took Ryan's family up to the cabin. We had lots of fun, but what Sheldon and Allie enjoyed the most was having some special time with Ryan.

We took the kids to the "Kids' pond" and Ryan showed Sheldon how to skip rocks. Ryan is a total pro at it and Sheldon was starting to get the hang of it.

Allie just loved the idea that she could walk in the water and find rocks. She would bend down to pick one up and dip her bum in the water and couldn't figure out why her bum kept getting wet. She would pick up a bigger sized rock and say, "I a strowng grril... huh Mom." She is a crack up.

Big E thought the kids splashing in the water was great! He just laughed and really enjoyed the chaos. When I put his feet in the water however he'd screamed bloody murder. I giggled and just did it again. I know, I'm a mean mom!

Other than that it is the same old craziness as always. Right now I feel like I am hanging on by a thread, but I will try to post again soon!

Slackers....

2008-08-05T13:44:00.002-06:00

So Kelsey and I have been slackers lately about blogging, but we have been really busy. I was cast as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls for the Draper Arts Council. Visit www.draperartscouncil.org for more information :) Oh...and when we got back from the cabin this weekend "Breaking Dawn" was waiting for us on the doorstep, so if Kelsey seems to disappear for a week or two, it's because she is entwined in a story about vampires.

I'm going to let her read it first, so we aren't fighting over the book, and then I'll read it. :)

Princess party!

2008-07-17T18:27:00.006-06:00

Today was Allie's princess party. We had all of her little friends from the neighborhood come over for lunch and cupcakes.

All of the little girls seemed to have a great time eating chicken nuggets and french fries, playing place the crown on the princess and then opening presents.

It was a lot of fun to have everyone in their princess dresses and glass slippers!

Allie sure got spoiled! Thanks everyone for making this party a great time!

Happy birthday to you!

2008-07-15T14:39:00.008-06:00

Okay, so I stole this idea from Lisa, so thank you Lisa for you super cute idea!

Allie turns 3 on Friday! I can't believe how the time has gone by, but because the rest of the week is going to be truly crazy I figured I would get this post done now and than for the rest of the week I can post fun 3 year old birthday pictures.

Here is Allie's life story!

Allie came into this world just shy of three weeks early. After 24 hours of labor she finally joined our family, but had some complications. She was having trouble keeping her oxygen levels up and was having problems with infection. She had to spend an extra day in the hospital to keep the pure oxygen in her system to help strengthen her lungs.

Even with all of the tubes she was so cute. She was born with tons of dark hair, that everyone assumed would go light after a few months!

Allie has been a girlie-girl from the very beginning. Grandma gave her the doll in this picture, but everyone that she got that year she would kiss and hug. Look at those cute pig tails!

Allie loves Disney Princesses and her second birthday she was spoiled with everything princess. Allie girl has always had such a great smile!

Here is our baby girl now. Almost three and still as darling as can be. She is a light in our home and a very special little girl.

Happy birthday Allie Grace! We love you so much!

Look What I Can Do!!!

2008-07-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

I figured out today while exploring "blogville" that I was able to join Kelsey's "team" so that I can post my own blog entries too. So you girls will have to put up with an occasional posting from some weird guy as well as my cute wife's posts. Sorry!!! But this way Kelsey will actually get the Kudos that she deserves instead of always talking about the rest of the family.

-Ryno

ps Babe - I am going to finish the Twilight series before you! (What GREAT books......even if they were written for teenage girls....)

Big news for Ryan!

2008-07-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry, no pictures today, but I wanted everyone to know that if you are around the Draper area on Friday night, Ryan will be singing the National Anthem at the Draper Rodeo! I'm really proud of him and I know he will do a great job!

Swimming lessons

2008-07-09T11:21:00.000-06:00

My kids aer now int he second session of swimming lessons at Shinsel Swimming School. They love the water and really enjoy the lessons. This is really great for me, because I am very afraid of water, and I don't want my kids to have the same fear that I do.

Allie is really taking to the water again this year. She loves the fact that she is a big girl and gets to go in the water by herself without mom. She loves to float on her back and tummy and loves to jump off the side and splash her teacher!

Sheldon really had a hard time because they wanted him to put his face in the water so much and he hates to have the water in his eyes. So this session I bought him a pair of goggles and he is doing so much better. He will even go to the bottom of the pool and grab things now.

Okay so he looks a little bit like a nerd in his goggles, but he has a bit of OCD and always has to tighten them and so the sides poke out so that he can tighten them whenever he needs to.

They make them swim the last couple of feet to the stairs by themselves, Sheldon is starting to get the hang of it now and doesn't fight so much to get there.

Ethan and I just sit on the side of the pool and watch, but I am thinking that I might try to get in with him for the last session in August. He loves bath time so much that I think he would really enjoy being in the water twice a week. We will see if they have any openings!

Sunday night surprise

2008-07-08T08:56:00.000-06:00

After dinner on Sunday Ryan and I were getting the kids ready for bed when Ryan got a call on his cell phone. Now this isn't such a surprise, because his cell phone is always ringing. The surprise was that it was two people from his mission that he had baptized.

They were in town and going down to Temple Square and wanted to see him.

So we packed up the kids and headed down town.

Here we all are. I never though we had a big family until I see us all together in a picture! :)

Julio, Ryan, Sara

They did there best to try to include me in the conversation, but it was a whole lot easier for them to speak in Spanish. I could pick out a few words here and there, but not enough to really know what they were talking about.

After we were done talking, we walked around a little bit and took some pictures of the kids. Sheldon was very happy to pose for some pictures.

This picture is a good example of what happens at our house all day long. Allie is trying to figure out how Sheldon is standing that way so she can do it too.

Monkey see, monkey do, and monkey get in trouble too!

Doesn't she look so sweet! She loved laying on the grass and smelling the flowers.

I don't realize how much my kids look alike until I see them all together like this. Ethan's first experience with grass... he actually didn't mind it too much.

I kept lifting Ethan up in the air and them bringing him down to kiss his cheeks. He was laughing every time and as a result so was I.

I just had to end with the beautiful picture Ryan took of the sunset. It was so beautiful that night and the sky was awesome.

Fourth of July Fun!

2008-07-07T09:11:00.000-06:00

Every year my family goes up to our cabin to spend the fourth of July.

This year was no exception.

We have a horse shoe tournament. I haven't played in it for a few years, but Ryan loves it and his team took 3rd place this year! Way to go Babe!

Allie loves watching the horse shoes, but she loves to pose for Daddy's camera even more! :)

We did bubbles with the kids. The best way to do bubbles in our opinion is with fly swatters. It blows a ton of bubbles without having to actually blow the bubbles!

We also did a treasure hunt, boys vs. girls!

And a coloring contest!

Ethan even got to have some fun with his first taste of Salt and Vinegar potato chips.... he wasn't a fan! :)

Reports of the new baby!

2008-06-26T13:09:00.000-06:00

Okay, so all of you know that Ethan had a pretty traumatic birth. And as a result he has always had a weird body position. The past few weeks it has really started to bother me. I think the more that it was just me around him and the more I saw of him sleeping at night, and the less I saw of him sleeping in the day I started to become very concerned. Ethan has never really slept during the day... he would take one or two 15-20 minute naps, but nothing that lasted any longer. It was becoming very draining. One night after getting all of the kids in bed for the night I went back into check on him and his back was arched in such a way that I became very sick to my stomach that something was wrong.

Then next day I talked to Ryan's mom who works at a chiropractic office and told her about it. She called me the next day and told me that I needed to make an appointment for Ethan to come see the doctor. I did, and have been taking him every other day for a week now. I swear to you that Dr. Frogley switched my baby with another one. This new Ethan is an amazing little boy. He takes two 2-3 hour naps every day, he eats really well, is happy and smiling all of the time, and now goes to bed between 7:30 and 8:00 and will sleep until at least 6:30. He also no longer has colic. I am so sold on chiropractic care for infants that if Ryan and I have anymore kids the first thing I will do when we leave the hospital is take the new baby right over the Dr. Frogley.

p.s. I know that babies aren't suppose to sleep on their tummies, but when they start rolling over at 3 months there isn't a thing you can do about it! :)

A day at the park

2008-06-12T13:27:00.001-06:00

Today is such a nice day that I figured I would join a few of the sisters in my ward and go to the park. We had lunch and let the kids play for a little while, which ended up being two hours. :)

Allie just loves the swings and would be happy all day if she could just sit in one and be pushed.

She was very happy to pose for the camera. :)

Sheldon loves the swings too, but doesn't like to go as high as Allie does. He is much more timid when it comes to activities like that.

Ethan loves the swings as much as his big kids do, of course Ethan really just likes to be outside... He really could care less what he was doing as long as he feels the sun on his face.

Ryan thinks this hat is silly, but I think Ethan looks so dang cute in it.

We spent so much time on the swings it wasn't much of a chance for me to chat with any adults, (which I am in desperate need of right now), but it was nice to get out in the fresh air and see the kids having so much fun!

Tonight is our first day of swimming lessons, so check back soon to see some new pictures of the kids swimming!

Chocolate Cake Anyone?

2008-06-11T19:06:00.000-06:00

On Saturday our ward had an old fashioned picnic, with Sloppy Joe's and lemonade. Our young women were having a bake sale to raise money for camp. This was a perfect opportunity for Ryan to make his made from scratch layered chocolate cake.

Sheldon and Allie were very happy to help when Daddy asked for a couple of assistants. They put on their chef hats and aprons and were ready to go.

Allie really just wanted to put on her apron and pose for a couple of pictures.

So here is the end result. Doesn't it look so yummy! It was a big hit at the picnic, it sold for 2 dollars a slice.

My master chefs!!!

Busy, busy busy...

2008-05-30T13:55:00.000-06:00

It seems like every week just gets busier than the next and this week is no exception.

Ryan has been in rehearsals Tuesday through Thursday (today is the last Friday that he has off) We have been running doing everything under the sun during the day. Allie has her dress rehearsal tonight and her dance recital tomorrow.

We did sneek a little bit of time outside today.

Silly Allie loves to do crazy things in front of the camera

Sheldon wouldn't hold still long enough to smile at the camera, but here is with his art work. :)

And Ethan with his normal outside habit of sleeping in the sunshine, he also has that creepy eye thing when he sleeps where it doesn't actually close all the way.

It is over

2008-05-22T21:28:00.000-06:00

Don't you hate it when you put a tone of work into something and then no one shows up? That is what happen tonight. We had 20 people show up for Enrichment night. At first I was a little bummed to say the least, but once it got started we had a blast and everyone that was there really enjoyed themselves. So all in all it turned out really great!

One more success to add to my belt today is that Allie is now potty trained! YAY!! I have been kind of hit and miss with her since Ethan was born, more because I was just not ready to put the effort into it right now, but on Saturday she just wouldn't wear a Pull-up. So we tired, she had 2 accidents Saturday and then again on Sunday, one on Monday and on Tuesday. She had one yesterday that was really my fault, I didn't get in to help her fast enough, and today she has been totally dry! Yay Allie! I'm really proud of her, and I really truly believe girls are a lot easier than boys! :)

Enrichment night

2008-05-22T08:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I haven't been the best poster this past couple of weeks, but I have a really good excuse. My quarterly Enrichment is tonight and I am so overwhelmed by it that I woke up sick to my stomach this morning. We are playing food storage survivor and I have been all over town gathering things that I need for prizes. My Enrichment leader is in the same play that Ryan is in, so she has been in rehearsals as much as Ryan, plus she threw her back out a couple of weeks ago and is still hurting from that. ARGH! Is really all I can say.

On top of planning this entire Enrichment night by myself, I was thrown a curve ball and told that the Food Storage Specialist and the Emergency Preparedness Specialist needed to be a part of this too because the Stake told them that they needed to have a fair to go along with a mock disaster that our stake will be doing in June. So now it isn't just for the women, but now that men will be there too. This is the part that freaks me out. I'm fine in front of the women, but being in front of the men scares me to death. The worst part about it all is that Ryan will be in rehearsals, so my biggest supporter won't be there to help. I just hope I don't throw up or break into tears from all of the nerves. Wish me luck, I am really going to need it tonight.

Fun treat idea

2008-05-08T10:42:00.001-06:00

So our Enrichment does a book club for one of our mini-classes, and last night was my night to host. I was trying to come up with a great treat and Ryan suggested Sushi... I think it turned out really great.

It is sweet sushi. You make it with angel food cake, fruit roll-ups frosting and coconut. Then you top it with whatever you want. The ladies loved it and it was fun to have something so different! If anyone wants details on how to make it let me know.

Fun in the sun, and other adventures at the Hoskins house

2008-05-06T21:18:00.001-06:00

ADVANCED WARNING THIS IS A LONG CATCH UP POST!!

Sorry Ryan that I haven't been to good at posting lately, I'll try harder. :)

Today my kids were being really good, so I told them that once Sheldon was done with Tumbling we could break out their Froggy Swimming pool and enjoy the sunshine.

Allie wanted to ride our neighbors bike in between dips in the pool. She is obsessed with bikes right now, I guess we know what to get her for her birthday!

Sheldon loved the pool because he could run and jump into the pool without getting in it to deep. He also loved to splash the girls.

Sheldon tried to splash Allie and she put her hands up and told him that he couldn't see her, so he couldn't splash her. I love how little kids think that if they can't see you, you can't see them.

When Ani got home from shopping with her mom she came over to join us too. We love to have friends come over and play!

We are sure glad that we have had warm weather lately so that we can enjoy sometime out of the house and get some energy out!

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Allie is such a funny sleeper. Most of the time she sleeps at night in her bed, but her naps are a different story. I went in the other day and she was asleep in her closet. I just couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of her before I woke her up.

Doesn't she look so peaceful in the middle of all of the mess?

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Ethan is getting so big so fast. He is now 9 weeks old and a real happy kid most of the time. Today while the big kids were sleeping he sat in his car seat and talked to me and was all smiles while the camera was pointed in his directions.

He is really starting to develop a personality and is starting to be at a really fun stage!

Isn't he a cute?

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Sunday was Ethan's blessing dayand his two month birthday! I got only a few pictures of him with all of the craziness around the house, but I promise I will take a better picture of him in his outfit and post it.

My mom took me out shopping for his blessing outfit and it was perfect for him. He looked like such a stud muffin! Thanks Mom!

We are blessed to have wonderful people who were able to stand in the circle to bless him. Namely, Daddy, Papa, Grandpa, Uncles Ron, Rob and Randy, our best friends Greg and Spencer and our very special adopted "Grandpa Kevin" who is our next door neighbor and is only 10 years older than Ryan and myself, but my kids have decided that he is their other grandpa. That is a post in and of itself!

Can you say crazy?

2008-04-24T14:03:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have times in your life where you are so busy that your calendar looks like a novel because of all of the things that are on it. That is our house right now. The kids have preschool and tumbling, soccer and dance, Ryan has softball and play rehearsals, and I have church meetings and presidency visits. I feel like we are all ships passing in the night. We all go a million miles an hour in a hundred different directions, and when the day is finally over I can't even keep my eyes open long enough to think about the next day. I keep thinking that things will start to settle down and I will finally get into a rhythm now that Ethan is here, but it just seems to snowball day after day. I know it is just going to get worse as the kids get older, but I just don't know how people do it when they have more kids. Anyone else feel this way?

Cute new pictures of Ethan, soccer and the nursery

2008-04-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

If we don't bundle Ethan up when he takes a nap this is how he sleeps. We have a picture of Sheldon sleeping like this too.

Here is the first picture that we have of Ethan smiling. He loves to be talked to and will usually smile at least a little when you are talking to him.

Sheldon has started playing soccer again. This season he is doing a lot better. He actually runs to try to get the ball and doesn't cry if he misses it. He is still the smallest one on the team, but he is showing great improvement.

I finally got the nursery done. Winnie The Pooh is the theme that we picked before Ethan was born, I just have been decorating the walls with bees and Winnie The Pooh the past few days.

The joys of my life

2008-04-08T14:05:00.000-06:00

So I have been feeling very over whelmed by being a mother of three. Trying to juggle the older kids activities and adding another one to get ready in the morning before getting out of the house. I get exhausted just thinking about it. After listening to Elder Ballard's talk during the Sunday afternoon session I realized I was expecting way to much of myself. So I decided to just sit back and enjoy the joys of my life.

Sheldon is a great kid. He loves to help out and loves to be involved. He is usually willing to get the things that I need. He has a great smile and gives some of the best hugs and kisses. He is very loving and treats others really well.

Allie is a ham. She is always doing something to make us laugh. She also loves music and will sing a song about anything. She loves her brothers so much and loves to play with Sheldon no matter what he is playing.

Ethan is such a snuggle baby. He will sleep on your chest for hours on end. He is now just starting to smile and cue at you. I love how he likes to hold your hand while he is sucking on his binky.

I have been given so much, and I need to learn to enjoy the little moments rather than focus on what I think are huge problems. Kids are great blessings.

Captain underpants away...

2008-03-26T15:23:00.001-06:00

So we have been trying to potty train Allie. Not really my idea, but she keeps telling us that she needs to go, so we decided that we would start trying. Anyway, she came out of her room the other day, after we sent her in to get panties, and this is what she looked like. Ryan and I were laughing so hard, and we couldn't help but snap a picture to show to any future boyfriends!

What is it that makes them think that putting underwear on their heads is a smart thing to do? And what is it with parents that think it is so funny? If I went out with my underpants on my head I doubt anyone would think I was cute. They may however take a picture so that they have proof when they send me to the loony bin! :)

Easter and Sheldon's birthday

2008-03-25T21:57:00.000-06:00

I finally have a few quite moments and I figured I would use it to post a few pictures of our weekend with Sheldon's birthday party and Easter.

Sheldon and his friends and cousins at The Little Gym for his party.

Kind of a dark picture of the kids during the warm up. they were pretending to be pirates!

And everyone sitting down for some cake and ice cream.

Emily and Allie at the Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Sheldon was loving the fact that he was getting tons of eggs.

Ethan even got in on the fun and got a few eggs... Thanks Daddy!

We even got a few cute pictures of the kids all dressed up for church.

Ethan looks so little in this chair.

Aren't these two a couple of stud muffins?

It sure has been a busy weekend, but it was lots of fun. Life with three kids sure is an adjustment, but I think that we are starting to get the hang of it.

Happy Birthday Sheldon

2008-03-21T15:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Sheldon's 5th birthday. Wednesday night we went out to dinner at the Mayan, one of Sheldon's favorite places to eat, and than we went to see "Horton Hears A Who" Yesterday morning we got up and went to IHOP for Horton breakfast. Tomorrow we will be having his friends party at The Little Gym. And then we will have dinner with my family on Sunday and Monday will be with Ryan's family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELDON!!

Sheldon and his girl friend Annie

2008-03-18T10:50:00.000-06:00

We are surrounded by some really great neighbors. The other day Annie who lives to the East of us came over and knocked on the door to see if Sheldon could play. He got shoes on and went out to play. Jocelyn, Annie's cute mom, sent over these cute pictures of the two of them driving Annie's car.

Annie is such a nice girl... she let Sheldon drive the car the whole time they were out there. Sheldon kept calling Annie "Babe" and saying that he was going to work.

Isn't she a doll? Now you know why Sheldon is in love with her!

A little pat on my own back!

2008-03-17T13:30:00.000-06:00

Okay... I just needed to pat myself on the back today. I went into the doctor to have my incision site checked out. I got up and got ready and put on real jeans! Yes the ones I wore before getting pregnant. YAY! And when I got on the scale at the doctor I was down 20 pounds! Double YAY! Of course it helps to have another person taken out of you, but I'm not thinking about that! I just liked the number on the scale! :)

Cute pictures of our little man

2008-03-14T09:28:00.000-06:00

I promised you all so more pictures of Ethan so here you go.

This is the picture that the doctor took of the three of us right after the c-section. I don't even remember this picture being taken, but obviously it was done.

Because Ethan was a facial presentation he looked like he had gone a few rounds in a boxing match. The little red marks on his fore head are from the internal heart monitor... normally they go in the crown of the baby's head, but not this time.

The first time big brother and sister got to see him. Sheldon sat like this for almost a half hour.

Big sis getting in on the feeding.

This is the most resent picture... we took it last night while Ethan was sleeping on me. He looks so much better than the earlier pictures with his fighter face. He usually sleeps with his hands up by his face like that too.

Welcom to the world Ethan Michael Hoskins

2008-03-10T12:01:00.000-06:00

After 38 weeks of throwing up, heartburn, aches and pains, On March 4th 2008 Ethan Michael Hoskins decided to make his debut.

I went into the hospital at 8:00 am on Tuesday and was put on patocine to get the contractions going and get Ethan to come out a play. After three hours the doctor came down to break my water and felt what he thought were fingers. He wiggle Ethan around for a little bit and then broke my water. About an hour later our wonderful nurse came to check me because with every contraction Ethan's heart rate would drop. When she check me she found that it wasn't fingers that they were feeling but rather a nose and mouth. Ethan was trying to come out in a facial presentation. This is not a good thing for baby or mom. They turned off the patocine and gave me the epidural hoping that my body would relax and he would readjust and come out the right way. No such luck. After an hour of waiting I was sent in for an urgent c-section. At 4:28, 15 minutes after going into the operating room Ethan way born. 7lbs, 5oz and 20 inches long.

He is doing really well now. I'm in lots of pain, but everyday I get a little bit better. I will post some more pictures in a little while.

Yeah for doctor appointments

2008-02-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the doctor for my last visit before baby Hoskins comes.

Let me tell you the story...

Yesterday I was having contractions again every 3 minutes. So I called Ryan home from work, we dropped the kids off at my parents house and we headed up to the hospital. When we got there I was check, and was at a 3. 20 minutes later I was checked again and was still at a 3. So we got up and walked for 30 minutes and then was checked again, a three still, but a 3+. The nurse called my doctor and he decided to send me home. :( Bummer.

They gave me nothing to stop the contractions, and told me to go home take an bath and drink lots of fluids. After and hour long bath and 64oz of Gatorade I was still having contractions. I took some Tylenol PM and tried to get some sleep. The contractions continued to keep me awake and even made me throw up a few times. I resolved myself to the fact that I was going to be in labor for the next 3 weeks. :( Double bummer!

I went to the doctor today with fire in my eyes. I just can't function having contractions all day long and try to take care of two young kids and a house. I was weighed at the office and have lost yet another pound, had high blood pressure and a bladder infections. I was at my wits end when the doctor came in. He checked me... I am at a 4 now. He said, "Now you were in the hospital last night right?" A yeah... duh! He then asked me what happened. Um... you sent me home Sherlock! He then took a moment and looked at my chart. Then with some amount of shock said, "Wow you were in labor with your daughter for a really long time. Almost 24 hours? How is that?"

At this point my blood was boiling. So my response was... "Well you see, if I were a pioneer I would still be in labor. My body gets to a 4 and then stays there. For hours, maybe days, weeks or years. With my daughter finally at 4 am I was given Patocin and then she was born 4 hours later. I'm sure that this one is the same way."

He thought for a few moments and said... "If I wold have looked at your chart last night I would have never sent you home." ARRGH!!

So he has given me a prescription for a med that makes false labor stop. If however what I have isn't false it does nothing. If this doesn't stop the contractions I am to tell the nurse that I have been on a med that stops false labor and that she needs to call my doctor. He at that point will instruct them to give me that pit and get this baby out.

If the contractions don't continue then I am to wait until Tuesday where I will just be induced. So the whole point of this long story is that the very last day that I could be having this baby is Tuesday March 4th. Just so that you are all aware that We will have a baby by then if not sooner.

Something other than baby news.

2008-02-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have been so crazy with all of the baby stuff that I forgot to post about Valentine's day,

and my birthday. Silly me.

Ryan did just what I asked him to do this year. Valentine's day is my favorite holiday... even over Christmas, but because of everything with the baby, I wanted to keep it really mellow this year. He got me a Nintendo DS and the two Brain Age Games. Yes I asked for them, have been for about 6 months now. He got me the really cool blue color, which I later found out was just released. I am totally addicted to this little thing. It is nice to because we can take it to the hospital and he will have something to do during the first stages of labor. And I will have something to do while I am recovering in the hospital. Ryan also made Valentine's day a big deal for the kids. He got a cute teddy bear for Allie, with a box of chocolate, and then he got a tulip plant for Sheldon to give to me. Sheldon had been wanting to get me flowers for Valentines day and thought it was awesome that Daddy had remembered and got them. He also picked out nice card for me from him, for me from Sheldon and from him to Allie.

He is such a great guy!

For my birthday, we played if very low key again. I went to lunch with my mom and the kids and then came home got all dolled up and had a nice romantic dinner with my hubby. We went to a Thai food place called Monsoon. I love it there! He also gave me a cute red digital camera. My last one stopped charging the battery so I was in need of a new one. I love this camera, because it is little and can go everywhere the kids and I go. I also got a ton of memory cards so that I can go crazy and not have to worry about deleting pictures until I get home.

All and all I had a great week! And I was only in the hospital once in the middle of the two great days.! :) Now we will just keep our fingers crossed that baby Hoskins comes this week!

Still no baby.

2008-02-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am now officially 37 weeks. YAY!! it has been one roller coaster of a week. Sunday we had Stake Conference... during which I went into labor. Ryan was singing, so I sat and waited until the end. Afterwards we packed up the kids and took them to Grandma's. Three hours later, after only progressing 1cm... they gave me and IV, meds to stop the contractions and sent me home. BUMMER!

Wednesday I went for my weekly check up and was at a three... the doctor said he would probably see me before my next appointment, but I told him I wasn't going to the hospital unless one of two things happened... either my water broke, or we saw a head. :) He told me not to wait for the latter, but I'm tired of being sent home.

Today is when they officially consider me full term so if I do go to the hospital they won't send me home. The only problem with going in now is that tomorrow night we are watching my brother's kids while he surprises his wife by taking her to Disneyland, and Ryan's parents are in St. George on vacation until Sunday night. I am having a lot of contractions... about every 10 minutes, but I guess I have to keep my legs crossed until Sunday afternoon. Hopefully then we can get this kid out! :)

Baby news...

2008-02-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

No, no baby yet, but we are getting a lot closer. I went to the doctor on Wednesday and I am at a 2 and 100% effaced. He said anytime now. I'm having a lot of contractions still, but none of them are really regular so we will just wait. I will keep you all posted how things are going.

A couple of fun get to know me things

2008-02-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ryan's cute assistant had this on her blog and I loved them so I figured I would steal them and give some info. on Ryan and I.

What is his name?: Ryan Hoskins... Babe I will leave out the middle name, but you owe me ;)

How long have you been together?: Married for almost 7 years

How long did you date?: 1 year, 3 months, with a month break up in the middle.

How old is he? 29

Who eats more?: Me hands down.

Who is taller: He is by a long shot.

Who said "I love you" first? I did. at least I think.

Who can sing better? Ryan

Who is smarter? Ryan he knows everything.

Who does the laundry? Me.

Who pays the bills? He makes the money, but I write the checks out.

Who sleeps on the right side? He does...

Who mows the lawn? He does.

Who cooks dinner? Most of the time it is him.

Who drives? He does

Who is more stubborn?I think he is, but he will say it is me!

Who kissed who first? He kissed me, but I told him he wanted to... long story

Who asked who out first? In high school he did, but after his mission I did.

Who proposed? He did

Who has more friends? I would say Ryan does... he is out more and sees more people.

Who is more sensitive? I am for sure!

Who has more siblings? I do.

Who wears the pants? He does... okay... not really ;)

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My Quirks...
I got tagged by Jenny to so this so here goes.

1. I really hate blue food. It just isn't a natural food color.

2. I hate it when people touch my nose. It drives me crazy.

3. I hate it when people are either to early or to late. 5 minutes on either side is fine.

4. I have OCD... things have to be done right or it drives me crazy. I'm trying hard to get over this, but it is a really battle.

5. I hate it when people write on my stuff. Calendars, note books... anything think like that. If you write on it I will rewrite anything that is on that page, or buy and new book and start over.

6. I really hate it when people just walk into my house. Even if whe have invited them over. Knock please.

I can't think of any other things right now... I'm sure Ryan could rattle of another hundred so I will have to ask him.

I tag... Heather, Lisa, Wendy, Leanne and Emily

Pregnancy update...

2008-01-30T12:58:00.001-07:00

Sorry about all of the pregnancy talk as of late, but it seems to be the only thing that changes around here right now. I had my appointment this morning and when I got on the scale had a bit of a shock. I have lost, yeah you read that right, lost 5 pounds. Not such a great thing when you are 8 months pregnant. They are trying one more new medicine. This time a suppository to see if that might help for the next two or so weeks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works, because I would really like to eat something. I now weigh less than I did when I got pregnant. Fun huh?! The baby is measuring right and has a really strong heart beat. So they doctor isn't so worried about the baby, it is more how I am going to do during labor and for the couple of hours afterward.

Along with that happy news I found out last night that my grandpa passed away yesterday at 9:30 pm. He has battled Alzheimer's for about 6 years now, so it is a good thing that he has left this earth, but it is hard to see your only remaining grandparent leave this life. He was a great man and was loved by everyone that had the chance to meet him. I will post a picture and some more about him later.

Nine month flu

2008-01-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

For anyone who has never experienced what Ryan and I like to call the 9 month flu, be very grateful that it has passed you by. With this pregnancy the morning sickness seems to get worse as the months go by, rather than getting better. Now the heartburn is almost more than I can stand.

My only oasis in this my darling husband. After a long night of heartburn and throwing up I had reached the end of my rope this morning. On the verge of a nervous break down I asked Ryan if there was anyway that he could take the morning off and help me out. Being the amazing guy that he is he called work and told them that he would be in later. He stayed in bed with me and rubbed my neck and head, got me some breakfast and was just a great comfort. He did have to go in for a little while to take care of a couple of clients, but told me that he would be home around 4 to help out again. What a relief! He is a great husband and support!

Six weeks and counting down.

2008-01-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so as of today I am officially 34 weeks. This is great news, because if I go into labor again they won't stop my contractions. :) My doctor and Ryan are still crossing their fingers that I will hold out for 3 more weeks, but I can't say that I feel the same. Today while Sheldon was at preschool, Allie and I went to get nursing bras and tops, along with the rest of the stuff on my list of things that needed to be done before the baby comes. I can now say that I am finished with everything for the baby, including bags being packed and both the crib and the cradle are ready to go with bedding. My house is so clean that it is almost scary. Plus the van has been detailed and is full of gas. Ryan won't let me put the bags and car seat in the van, he says that he will put them in when we leave, but I figure if I do it while he is at work what is he going to do, bring them back in? :) The only thing that I have left to do is get my nails and pedicure done. Ryan laughs at me, but I have to have this stuff done or the entire time I am in labor it will drive me crazy.

I think the thing that I am most excited about when the baby comes is that 1) the baby will be here, 2) I won't throw up anymore, and 3) the heart burn will finally go away and my ulcer will start to heal. It is so lovely to be pregnant. ;)

We are also taking bets on what sex the baby is, when the baby will come, and how big the baby will be. If you would like to play along feel free. Just to give you reference points, Sheldon was a week early, 6lbs 15 oz and 19 inches long. Allie was 3 weeks early 6lbs 4oz and 18 inches long. So have some fun and we will see who wins.

Tumbling show days

2008-01-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sheldon and Allie both take tumbling classes at the little gym that is just up the street from us. They both love it and ask every day if it is a tumbling day. At the end of each session they have a show day so that the parents can see everything that have learned over the 20 weeks.

Allie hated the parachute for the first two sessions, but now she loves it. She loves to walk around and sing songs with it, and also sit in the middle for a ride, or slide down it as I lift it up underneath her.

She can't get enough of hanging upside down on the bar either. She spent almost 15 minutes doing this trick.

She will do flips on the bar as long as her cute teacher Mrs. Kim is right there to help.

Sheldon love the balance beam. He walks across it without any help. He reaches up high and goes on his tippy toes, then bends down low and touches the beam. He stands on one foot and even turns all the way around.

Sheldon also love to do flips on the bar. Or hang upside down. As long as people are watching he is happy doing anything.

Here he is starting to do cart-wheels. He isn't quite there yet, but he is getting really close to getting them down.

Here is his finish after he got his award for doing so well.

The really nice part is that Monday they start the next session, so their are no breaks. YAY!

Allie at dance

2008-01-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

So Sheldon and I got to go to Allie's first dance class today. She was a doll. She was so excited today that she could hardley stand waiting until 10:00 for her class. She is really my dare devil child and so I had no fear of her jumping right in and having a blast.

They start with a cute little warm up and streaching and then they get to move across the floor. The first 15 minutes is for ballet and then the last 15 minutes is for tap.

She was so patient and waited her turn. She is one of the oldest in the class, but alas she is the smallest in size. Ryan couldn't make it to class today, but we went up to his office afterward to show him how cute she is in her dance clothes and the new things that she learned. The people in his office couldn't get over how cute she looked and she of course soaked up every bit of it.

I think that I am nesting... ugh!

2008-01-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am on a rampage. I can't stop the crazy cleaning and organizing feeling. I have been a crazy lady the past couple of days and the only thing I can blame it on is that I must be nesting. Every closet in my house has been torn apart, reorganized, shelves scrubed down and things put neatly back in. I have also done that with every draw and shelf. I spent all day yesterday cleaning floors and base boards. Ryan gets home from work everyday and just laughs at what I have done... The one good thing about it is that I am so tired by the time I put the kids to bed I fall asleep really quickly and actually stay asleep until about 5:00.

On the agenda for tomorrow will be windows. Inside and out... at least the outside ones that I can reach. ;) I also will be cleaning off the front porch and the front door. Will all of the wind we have been having my front door is really gross. :(

I don't quite know why pregnant women go through this craziness, but I think it has to do with the fact that our mother-in-laws spend so much time at our house after the baby comes and we just can't handle the comments that come about how dirty our house looks. Maybe that is just my mother-in-law that does that.

Ryan and I will be working on setting up the nursery tonight... just one more thing to cross off of my list. I just can't control the OCD right now. :)

Finally!!!

2008-01-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

So the power supply went out on our computer at the first of December, and we finally got one to replace it. So I can finally blog and email again. YAY! We have had a crazy few weeks. Mostly with sickness, but we were able to throw a few fun things in too. Sheldon had his school Christmas program which was so cute. I have tons of pictures, but they are in the camera in Ryan's car, so they will have to wait to be posted. The Friday before Christmas Sheldon came down with a major chest cold and a rageing fever. Just as we were getting him over that Allie came down with it. The day after Christmas I took her to the doctor for an ear infection. That was also the day that I came down with the flu. Ryan got the chest cold on Thursday and actually stayed home from work on Friday. Which was a blessing, because I went into labor and had to go to the hospital. They were able to stop the contractions with a shot and an IV of fluids... I was really dehydrated. Because the contractions stopped I only had to be there for a couple of hours. To top all of that off I got the chest cold on Saturday. FUN, FUN!! I went to my regular appointment today, and still haven't gained any weight. I am down 15 pound from when I got pregnant, but the doctor is starting to get concerend. He also doesn't like the fact that I am running a fever, and still have a cold. I now get to be on antibiotic for 10 days to see if the cold and fever will go away. He is also very concerend because I am still dehydrated. If this baby isn't an angel when it come out, we might be looking for a home for it, because it has already given me so much grief! :)

I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Lisa tagged me.

2007-12-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

I've Been Christmas Tagged!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapped... all in brown paper with different colored bows for each person. I also make gift tags that hang off the bows. Can you say OCD

2. Real tree or artificial?
We have done both, just depending on the year. This year they are both fake.

3. When do you put up the tree?
December 1st and not a second earlier or later. Again OCD

4. When do you take the tree down?
January 1st. I can't stand it any longer than that.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Ewe no. Just the thought of it makes me sick, but Ryan and Sheldon love it, so we have it in the fridge

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Porcline doll. I got one every year and the year Ryan and I were engaged he bought me one to carry on the tradition.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes. I got the Willow Tree one from my parents last year, then we have two that we found in Ryan's grandpa's house when we were cleaning it after he died, then I have a hand painted wood one that my Uncle Roy (the one that Sheldon is named after) cut out for me the year before he died. It is painted to look like little kids are acting out the nativity.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Ryan

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Allie

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail

11. Favorite Christmas movie?
A Christmas Carol

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
All year. We just put things away during the year.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No, but that is a really good idea!

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
White chocolate popcorn. A Hoskins' family tradition

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear... OCD again

16. Favorite Christmas song?
Joy to the World

17. Travel for Christmas or stay home?
We go to Ryan's parents house for breakfast and then mine for a late lunch

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph

19. Angel on the treetop or a star?
The tree in the family room has Tinkerbell, and the one in the office has a bow

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Jammies on Christmas Eve and everything else on Christmas day

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Not having a gift for neighbors that drop them by... I always keep Bed Bath soap on hand just for that.

22. What I love most about Christmas?
The wonder in my kids eyes

Doctor appointment

2007-12-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

I went to see my OB/GYN today and made the mistake of taking Ryan with me. He talked to the doctor about all of the contractions that I have been having and probably told a more accurate amount then I tell. Dr. Hansen said that whatever I am doing when I start having contractions I need to do the opposite... so if I am up on my feet I have to lay down, or if I am laying down I have to get up and walk. If that doesn't make them stop I have to take a warm bath. If that still doesn't stop them then I have to go to the hospital right then. Hopefully the bath will take care of them every time and I won't have to go to the hospital, but I guess only time will tell. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Family outting to Square Temple

2007-12-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last night Ryan and I thought it would be fun to take the kids up to see the lights at Temple Square, (or if you ask Sheldon Square Temple) The weather was nice... not to cold, but it was so busy.

Allie and her cheese face with Sheldon giving his little sis loves.

Allie just being her cute self.

The kids couldn't get enough of the Nativity. They kept asking about things and Ryan was telling them the story.

Sheldon was getting tired, so we figured we would call it a night. We of course had to have one more picture before we went though.
Tonight we are going over to our stake center to walk through the town of Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. The kids are so excited. I'm sure we will have a great time, and feel the Spirit. Hopefully I will be able to get some pictures of that too.

I hope this puts a smile on your face.

2007-12-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Ryan's assisstants blog and it totally cracked me up... thought you guys might get a kick out of it!

1. My rock star name (first pet and current car):
Buffy Freestar

2. My gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor and favorite cookie):
Strawberry Snickerdoodle

3. My "fly guy/girl" name (first initial of first name and first three letters of last name:
K Hos

4. My detective name (favorite color and favorite animal):
Green Giraffe

5. My soap opera name (middle name and city where you were born):
Lyn Salt Lake

6. My Star Wars name (first three letters of your last name and first two letters of your first name):
Hoske

7. My superhero name (2nd favorite color and favorite drink with "The" in front):
The Red Diet Coke

8. My Nascar name (first names of your grandfathers):
Russ Tony

9. My stripper name (name of your favorite perfume/cologne and your favorite candy):
Pink Kit-Kat

10. My witness-protection name (mother's and father's middle names):
Lynne Michael

Life of stress

2007-12-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

So my life for the past few weeks has been a major ball of stress with one crazy thing after another. First it was Thanksgiving, then it was Enrichment... now it is digging myself out of the hole that I created by not doing anything but those to major activities. This week we are finally settling down and spending some family time with each other.

Thanksgiving was nice. Ryan spent all day cooking, for those of you that don't know he is the real cook in our house. He made a wonderful turkey, stuffing and gravy. I on the other hand spent most of the day cleaning, decortating and cleaning some more... the life of a stay at home mom right! We had 12 adults and 5 kids that came for dinner, a small group when you consider that my family has 12 kids and spouses and then 20 grandkids. It was a nice evening, but by the time it was all said and done I was having so many contractions Ryan actually wanted to take me to the hospital.

Enrichment night the next week was a great success. We had 50 women show up, which is a huge number from our ward. Ryan again cooked all day... I cleaned up after him, because we were having a babysitter come that night for the kids. Ryan made a pork tenderloin with a pomagranite glace, zuchinne spaghetti with a lemon sauce and garlic parmesan mashed potatoes. The food was a big hit, everyone thinks that he needs to start doing a cooking class in our ward.

Saturday we spent all day decorating the house for Christmas. With snow finally coming down I am in the mood for Christmas. We put up both of our trees, decorated the fireplace mantal, the entry banister and the rest of the house. The kids were so excited to be able to decorate one tree all by themselves. We have been playing Christmas music ever since.

Tonight we are going to Temple Square with the kids to see the lights. They both are so excited they can't wait. I am charging the camera battery now so that we can get some good pictures. Tomorrow night we will be going to the live Nativity that our stake does every year. Ryan was in it last night and says that the Spirit there is so amazing. We are going to read the Christmas story tonight for scripture time so that as we walk through the "town" tomorrow we can remind the kids about waht is going on. If any of you live close to me I would suggest coming to really get into the right Christmas spirit. It goes until tomorrow.

Sorry that I don't have any pictures to post with this... taking pictures has been the last thing on my mind the past few week.

Just so you all know I hit 26 weeks. I don't normally do this, but will you keeps us in your prayers that the baby will at least make for 10 more weeks? I would really appreciate it.

My nightmare almost came true...

2007-11-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ryan, the kids and I went to church and my kids were so great in Sacrament meeting that I thought a couple of times that we must have grabbed someone else's kids. During Sunday School I was not feeling to great... Ryan had Reese's Pieces that he was eating and the smell of them made me throw up twice in the hour of Sunday School. During Relief Society I started having contractions. I would have 1 about every 10 minutes or so. Then when I got home they were at every 5 minutes. I laid down and tried to relax thinking that they would just go away... no such luck. We went up to Ryan's parents house for dinner and they kept coming. Ryan's brother-in-law (his sister's husband) who is a doctor asked if I wanted him to check me. HUM... NO was my answer. For 7 hours I was having contractions every 5 minutes. I asked Ryan to give me a blessing because I just couldn't be put in the hospital this week with Thanksgiving and Enrichment night. We got home at about 7:30 and Ryan told me I needed to go soak in the tub, and go to bed. Finally at about 12:30 the contractions stopped. I am so sore today, and have been taking it very easy. (under direction from Dr. Dave and my darling Hubby.) I do feel better and haven't had as many contractions, so hopefully we can keep this baby in for a few more weeks. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Talk about crazy

2007-11-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am one of the craziest people that you will ever meet. Back in May when we moved into the new house we said that we would like to have Thanksgiving here. We didn't at the time know that I would be pregnant and having problems. Well now that we are less than a week away from the wonderful day, I am stressing out. It is Ryan's family that will be eating here, and we will have 14 adults and 5 kids. For any of you who know me, I can't just do dinner... it has to be the whole deal. Spotless house, cute tables, favors for the guests, activities for the kids, plus the wonderful meal. I just don't know how I am going to get it all done. Ryan luckly is the chef in our house, so I don't have to worry to much about the food... it is the rest of it that scares me to death. I just hope that the contractions and the bleeding will keep itself at bay for the week. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The week following Thanksgiving is our Enrichment night. We have a very divided ward and I have been racking my brain to come up with a nice Enrichment to help the sisters get to know each other better. Plus I have 600 dollars in my Enrichment budget that I have to use. So we are having a nice sit down dinner totally cooked by my darling hubby. I have been stressing out about this Enrichment because other than myself and the Enrichment committee leader I have one other person on the committee. YIKES!! I'm praying that all will go how I have planned... I'm decorating each table in a different color and giving out little gift bags in each other one of the colors to the sisters as they walk in the door. That way they will have to sit at the assigned table and not by their group ob friends. I know that I am going to get a lot of complaints from the sisters that have lived in the ward forever, but those of us that haven't will finally be able to meet some of the other sisters. I hope that everything works out and I don't have so many complaits that the Bishop releases me... of course would that really be such a bad thing? HUM!?

I miss my baby

2007-11-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Okay... I know that I am a total dork, and all of you who have husbands that travel for work will laugh at me, but I miss Ryan. Since we have been married we have only spent 1 night away from each other. That night was last week... and I saw him Friday and Saturday, so it really doesn't count. Ryan left to Dallas this morning for a conference. He will be gone until Monday afternoon... unless he wins the car, and then he won't be home until Tuesday. I cried when the kids and I left him at the terminal this morning... cried when I hung up the phone when he called to tell me he was there, and then cried again when he called to say goodnight to the kids. I don't do well when I feel like half of me is in Dallas. :( Ryan has always been my best friend... the love of my life... my everything. I don't think that I could ever handle if he travelled all of the time. I have great respect for people who can do that... I'm to much of a baby.

Girl's weekend.

2007-11-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

Okay. So 10 years ago I met some of the most special people in my life. And this past weekend we all met up in Logan again for an overnighter. I haven't been to Logan since graduation, so it was fun to see all of the changes and enjoy the company of such wonderful people.

Here we all are on the famous A. The kid that we snagged to take the picture didn't quite let us know he was taking it. Thus the weird poses. :)

Here is a bit of a close up. on the bottom. Wendy, Emily and myself. Top row Heather, Anna and Heather.

We stayed up until 1:30 talking... which is way past me bed time, and then got up at 7:30 the next moning. We talked and laughed and remembered our time together. Can you believe that we were all just put together and we ended up actually loving each other. It is amazing how the Lord works.

Halloween

2007-11-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Okay... I know this is so late, but at least it is here. My kids are still a little young to really understand what Halloween is all about. Allie just knows that she gets to dress up and she loves that. I asked Allie what she wanted to be for Halloween and showed her some pictures. She figured it would be fun to be Snow White. My mom loved this idea and when full force and made her this darling Snow White outfit. Including the tricker treat bad.

She took her stuffed Dopey with her, because Dopey goes everywhere with Snow White. She told us to do a picture while she was kissing him.

Sheldon wouldn't do a picture without Allie. And when we got this one he had to have a crazy face. We went to Walmart and he saw this Spider Man costume and just had to have it. I'm glad it was something easy and I didn't have to go on a quest to find something for him.