Payton's First Field Trip

Last Thursday Payton had her first field trip. Some may say I was stocking others may say it worked out conveniently...We'll never know!!! Payton changed her mind a couple of times between having me go on her field trip or not. Her final decision she ousted me!!!! Nice Huh? Still didn't keep me from checking up. The kindergarten as well as half of the school loaded up in buses and headed for town on Thursday morning, it just so happens as I was heading out of town myself I passed them on the highway. :) So.... I decided to take a few pictures!

They went to see this...

and this is where they ate lunch...

It was so fun to pull up to the school before she left. I saw her sitting on her bus. She was so stinkin' cute! She had been talking about this all week long. She was nothing but smiles when I picked her up from school that day either. I just wish I could have gone to be there just to take the pictures of her inside with all her friends.

sOmE fUn pIcTuReS!!!!

Just a couple of fun pictures that we took this past week!

Jaxon put on a pair of Austin's scrubs.... Austin and I got a kick out of this... Austin's words..."A Pontoon boat been pulled on a wagon." PRICELESS!!!!!

Our first memory over here in "THE SOUTH" of a pontoon boat is PRICELESS too.... We decided to go for a Sunday drive. We headed over towards Norris Lake because we had heard it was beautiful. While crossing a small bridge, Austin and I looked out to the right side of the bridge to see a Pontoon boat floating on the lake. The people on board seemed to be having a fun time. There were a lot of people, and noise. We heard cheering and soon came to realize the reason for the cheers. We saw a NAKED MAN jumping off of the Pontoon boat into the lake. Lets just say... That kind of ruined the Sunday spirit, but sure gave us a shock... and even a PRICELESS memory.

Conference Weekend TATOR PICKIN'

Over Conference weekend the kids and I went up to the HOLLER!! The kids had their first experience of what in these parts they call "TATOR PICKIN' " They loved it, but more so... they loved just getting dirty, well and maybe sitting on Papaw's tractor!!! Thanks to Mandy she corrected me on the proper terminology of "Tator Pickin'" and thanks to her also for the pictures.

Some kids speak first, my kids...... they run first!!!!

Sleeping Zombie and Dracula!!!

This is how I found Jaxon sleeping last night!!! He was such a little "Zombie" I couldn't even get him to wake up to climb back on his bed. How he climbed under Ashton's crib... I have no idea... but he was obviously tired.

Payton came home from school today with Dracula fangs. As you can tell, she walked around all day scaring us. She was pretty steadfast in not sharing those teeth with Jaxon, but by the end of the night, his puppy dog eyes softened her enough to let him have them for about 10 minutes. We might have to splurge on a pack for Jaxon. I think I saw them at Wal-Mart today for around one dollar. Anyway... CRAZY KIDS!!!

Payton is Southern!!!

Last week as we were walking home from picking Payton up from school, Payton and I were having a conversation. I asked if her homework packet was in her school bag and she replied with this. "No Mom, it AIN'T in my bag." OHHHHHHHHHH MY GOSH!!!! I FLIPPED!!! She probably thought she said a bad word because I stuck my finger in her face and said "You don't ever say that word. That is not a word!" Hopefully my message was loud and clear after me in her face for 5 minutes enforcing that saying that was soooooooo wrong. Well this morning she got out of the car walking into the school and she turned around and said "Mom, I won't say ain't, it isn't a word." The influence of the southern accent and lingo is so strong especially now that she is in school. She comes home and says her alphabet exactly how her teacher pronounces it. Once I started thinking about it, when I moved to Australia, I too quickly picked up on the Aussie accent and lingo. I guess that is what happens when you live somewhere long enough. We have gotten some good laughs out of it though, that is for sure!

Jaxon and Mommy!!!

I tried sitting down with Jaxon to take a picture of him and I together and he kept closing his eyes and laughing hysterically!!! Then it turned into a game he would close his eyes make a face and ask to see the picture. By the end... we settled on an Eskimo kiss!!! This is what Jaxon and I do when Payton is at school, and Ashton is taking a nap. What a crazy kid!

Consequences!!!!

Ok.... I have to admit... I get sick and tired of always cleaning up after my kids!!! Now... many know that I enjoy cleaning... but I enjoy even more having a clean house. Now with three small children around it is rarely clean. Today before we headed out for church we had some styrofoam shredded throughout our entire living room from the kids. When we got home tonight at 5:30pm that was the last thing in the world I wanted to do. So... I told Payton that because she made the mess she was going to clean it all. I instructed her to pick up the big chunks first and that she would be vacuuming the rest of the small mess up. Harsh consequences turned into pure delight!!!! She had a blast!!!! And she was so proud of herself. I was too! She did a wonderful job. Now... I just have to swallow the urge to go and make the design in the carpet how I like. :)

SNACK TIME and Honesty!

This is what Payton and I made today for her snack at school tomorrow. Last night shortly after I put Payton to bed she came out of her room sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and in a muddled sound I could barely make out a few words. "Sorry Mom, I will never do it again." I had to ask her to calm down, stop the crying and tell me what she did. Well the story finally came out. Yesterday when she was at school, she was at her reading station. She was turning the page of a book called "Cats for Sale" when the page ripped accidentally. She must have forgotten about it until bed time because she was stricken with guilt. I sat her down on her bed and told her I was proud of her for coming to tell me what she did, but that we needed to tell the teacher. I offered to tell the teacher for her (first time offense only) but encouraged her to do it so she will be able to see the consequences of always being honest. I told her that if she was honest with her teacher and told her the truth of what happened that she would be happy and very proud of Payton for telling her the truth. But if she didn't tell, than someone else might get into trouble and that would make for a big problem. She would end up getting into trouble for not being honest. So when I gave her the option she said " Mom, I will tell her." So when I dropped her off at school this morning, she got out of the car and turned around and said "Mom, I'll be honest by myself." She was blessed with the gift of guilt just like her Daddy!!! What a blessing that is to me as her Mom. She is such a good girl!

The pumpkins are called "Cake Pops" you can find the recipe on www.bakerella.com

I'm a BASKET CASE!

Anyone who knows little Jaxon will know that he has been inseparable from his blanket since he was 5 months old. He never took a binki, he never took a stuffed toy, the only thing that would ever calm Jaxon down and give him security was his blanket. And.....Austin and I made him throw it away!!!!!(Might I add though, it was pure "spur of the moment" by Austin.) Now... if it was a regular blanket.. it wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but he sucked on those dang tassels. Austin feared he would be sucking them at age eight. No Finklea will have their son made fun of for being less than MANLY! His blanket was always a conversation starter for bacteria infested objects. The only time his blanket was ok to hold was right after it came out of the dryer. I don't know what on earth possessed us to do it this weekend but we did. And guess who cried. NOT JAXON! It was me. I held it together until he went to bed, but I cried like it was my blanket. Now... I wasn't the only emotional one... Austin almost shed one tear. I couldn't figure out why I was getting so emotional about it, and after Austin and i discussed it we came to this conclusion. It is because Jaxon was only took to that one thing. That was his world. He never woke up or went to bed without it. He never left it anywhere! Now this last year he has had to make the step in leaving it in the car, and sometimes even at home, but as soon as we walk through that door, his blanket is right back in his mouth. We did replace it with a blanket that had NO tassels. And it made it all that much better because it is Bumble Bee from "Transformers." He has asked about it since, but hasn't cared much! He has done great with out it! I guess I am the one that needs to grow up. Austin tried to work the same trick with Ashton this weekend and the binki.... I WAS NOT HAVING THAT!!!! That one will have to wait until I AM READY!!!

MY SWEET LITTLE BOY!!!

SOUTHERN INFLUENCE?

Jaxon has been influenced by our "Southern Holler" friends....Well, maybe it is just because he is a boy! We made a visit to Wal-Mart today and before going into the store, we decided to change the boys diapers. (FYI JAXON IS POTTY TRAINING.) Austin had Ashton laying down in the car, and I had Jaxon standing upright just outside the car. I told Jaxon to pull down his pants so I could take his diaper off. And yes... everyone could see. But thankfully we were parked in the very back so no one was walking by. Well in that same instant when the cool breeze flew past Jaxon's "YOU KNOW WHAT" he had the urge to pee. So, as a good boy he said "Mom, I go potty?" Now... side note or I should say question; when a child is potty training, do you tell them NO when the really want to try? My decision was NO. So.... in the middle of the parking lot Jaxon did his potties, while Payton so graciously blocked so no one could see. WE LAUGHED, AND LAUGHED, AND LAUGHED all the way into the store. And boy was he proud of himself. That may have been a huge mistake. But... we'll see. We thought this story was worth blog material. :)

Jaxon just finished using the real potty chair

Payton enjoying her second fudge bar.

Ashton just after finishing his second fudge bar

Bedtime Ritual!

I LOVE MY BABIES!!!!

Tonight I was playing with the kids, and I called Jaxon "Buddy." He turned around and said "Mom, I'm not your buddy, I'm your baby."

My Patriotic Girl

Payton is learning about many things in Social Studies. She has learned about the White House. She has learned about George Washington. She has learned about the Flag, and Betsy Ross. And....she has memorized the Pledge all by herself. I AM A PROUD MOMMY!

CRAZY BOYS!!!

Ashton has learned how to smile for the camera!!! He had a great time posing for me, but I think Jaxon had an even better time! Since Payton is at school, Jaxon and Ashton have become little pals. Who wouldn't be a pal to a REAL LIFE SUPER HERO? Jaxon...is a different super hero everyday. Don't get it wrong or he will have a melt down. Yesterday and today he is sporting around tooth picks in between his fingers. He is WOLVERINE, but as you can tell last week he was Superman! I got those pajamas for him for $3 at Wal-Mart. Best $3 I have ever spent. Ashton is starting to get into the super heros too. He growls deep in the back of his throat every time he sees anything that resembles, engines, cars, trucks, dinosaurs, wrestling, and super heroes. CUTE BOYS!!!

How are the kids?

Payton is doing well in school. I just went to parent teacher conferences last week and when I asked "Is there anything she needs to work on?" The teacher looked at me like I was crazy and said "Are you kidding me, she is wonderful, I feel like I need to pick up the pace just for her. She is an absolute pleasure to have in class" As a mom, that made me proud. She really is a good girl. She is definitely getting some attitude that is for sure, but overall she is so sweet. Isn't it true that children are always better behaved when they are away from their parents? Payton is learning valuable lessons. Lesson #1 Modesty. Payton started discussing with me a few weeks ago how someone that she knew was being immodest. She was scooping her chest while she was explaining to me how this person was being immodest. I was trying to help her understand the lines of immodesty, and she turned to me and said "Mom, I'm not IN MODEST I am OUT MODEST." I started laughing and said "YOU SURE ARE." Lesson #2 Motherhood. It is a scary thing when you start to see your child mimic your parenting behavior. A good 85% of the time she is home now she is saying things to her brothers like "Was that a good choice?" "Do you want a time out?", "Do you need to have soap in your mouth? We don't say those words." (She even says that to both Austin and me.) "Do you need a spank?" "You make my heart very sad when you make choices like that" "or the most recent, "The ELVES are watching boys." Now I look at that and it becomes overwhelming to me the negative she must see come from me. And then she redeems my mothering in small moments when she says things like: "I am so proud of you honey." (speaking to her brothers) "Mom, we forgot to say our prayers." "Mom, who is my favorite mom in the world?" "Mom you are the bestest mom in the world." It makes for great self reflection when I see her mimic me like this. KIND OF SCARY!!! We were saying prayers last week before the kids went to bed and Payton asked to say the prayer. She said her regular prayer meaning her same routine, and in the middle of it she said "Please bless mom that she will be pretty when she comes and picks me up from school because I like it when mom is pretty." When she finished her prayer I asked her why she said that. (Wanting to know if I have already embarrassed her.) She said " I like it when you're pretty, and my friends like it, and my teachers like it." I still don't know the reason for the fervent prayer, but makes me try really hard to wear makeup when I take her to school. I am always together by 3pm, but the 7:50am thing is a little bit harder for me. Jaxon is changing every day!! This summer Austin was quite concerned that Jaxon would was behind and also needed speech therapy. Now granted, I have to give him credit. He mostly would see Jaxon at the end of the day during his melt downs. But, I didn't have the same concern. Yes, his speech isn't the greatest, but... I had a feeling he would start doing better when Payton left for school. And.... he is doing great. Even to other people they can understand him more. We are doing "SCHOOL" while Payton is at her school and while Ashton is sleeping. He calls it his "BATMAN AND SPIDERMAN SCHOOL." He tells his Daddy every day on the phone that he did good in BATMAN/SPIDERMAN SCHOOL. When we take Payton to school every morning Jaxon will wave goodbye and say "Bye Payton, I wub you. Hab a good day at school. I go to BATMAN/SPIDERMAN SCHOOL." Payton will then turn around and get down his throat telling him he doesn't go to school. Then the saga begins.... every day on the way home Jaxon cries, trying to convince me that he does go to school. Good thing it is only a five minute walk... once we are in the door, he is distracted by something else. Jaxon now is not only into Spiderman and Batman, but he also LOVES Superman, Ironman, Wolverine, Transformers, TMNT, and Power Rangers. He plays superheroes ALL DAY LONG!! He knows all of his basic shapes, and knows how to count to 10. Now... the letters are another story... we are still working on that. But he is making progress and he is a fabulous big brother. Him and Ashton are little pals. They wrestle all day. They are going through MONSTER withdrawals. (MONSTER is the name Payton made up for a game they play with their Daddy. MONSTER=WRESTLING.) Ashton....OHHHH BOY!!! HE IS A TURD!!!! At least he is a cute one though. He has officially become the child that will cause Austin and me to go gray very early in our life. With in the last month he has almost died 3 times and has been taken to the emergency room once. Story#1 We were at our friends the Sclaters. All of the kids were playing on the furniture in the front room and had managed to take off every cushion and pillow possible and throw them on the floor. It become a jumping pile. I turned over just in time to watch Ashton, (who doesn't know how to jump off of even a 1 inch step yet) jump off of a chair with his body horizontal in the air on to............... HARD WOOD FLOOR!!! As I stood there watching this all in slow motion all I could think was "What an idiot." I Know... horrible thought for a mother to have, but that was my thought. All I said was "OH MY GOSH, that hurt." When I picked him up he had blood gushing out of his mouth, only to find...... his bottom teeth had cut through his bottom lip almost to come through on the other side. I waited out to see if this would be the inevitable "FIRST TIME E.R. VISIT." The bleeding stopped, thanks to the binki and no E.R. was graced with his presence that day. Story#2 The day we were all getting ready to leave for Cleveland for my Girls Weekend, I was on the phone with my sister, and Austin was loading the car. I walked out of my room to find Ashton dumping an entire 150 fl oz. bottle of TIDE on his head. I yelled "OH MY GOSH I HAVE TO GO," and hung up the phone. Austin turned around and said " $#%@!&^$*&@"(ha ha ha) We rushed Ashton into the bath tub to save the poor pathetic child from my $20 Tide with Downy Laundry detergent from running into his eyes. Now I can't say it didn't miss his mouth, but we did reroute the flow to just barely running over his lips. After that experience... he smelled beautiful for days, and was very clean I might add. Poison control was not graced with our phone call on this day. Story#3 I decided to take the kids to the park. We picked up Pizza for dinner and met our friends. We were playing and were having a good time. I ran over to the tire swing to push Payton, Jaxon and their little friend Kailyn on the tire swing. I pushed a little to hard for little Kailyn and it scared the poor thing to death. While I was lifting her out and feeling terrible for scaring her, I heard a not so comforting sound. I turned around to see Ashton lying on the concrete floor. He had fallen off of the picnic table. He didn't cry until I got to him, so it knocked him out for a minute, but as soon as I picked him up he was crying. H started looking funny, and coughing and then..... HE PUKED all over me. That scared me!!! So thankfully Tamsyn was there to take my other two kids, and I ran to my car. I buckled him in and was off. Now a trip that should normally take 10 minutes took me no longer than 5. The entire 5 minutes in the car Ashton was trying to close his eyes and sleep. I got him into the E.R. and they got him in right away, only to make me wait 25 minutes before we actually saw the doctor.( But... oh well... at least he is ok now) He went in and had a CAT Scan and was strapped down to a Papoos.(basically a straight jacket for kids) Poor little guy was scared to death. The CAT Scan was clear and no bleeding. The diagnosis was a concussion. But he was soon to get over it. The next day... he was at it again. So.... I have basically come to the conclusion that Ashton will be the worst of them all. Payton we thought was bad, but I think Ashton will out do her. Ashton has just learned how to smile for the camera. I will post pictures later. He is a sweet boy, and loves giving Payton and Jaxon hugs and kisses. We sure love our little kiddies!!!

UPDATE MANIA!!

Ok, so after almost two months of not blogging I have much to tell, so...I will just fill you in with the highlights. The last part of August we were going to receive a special visit from Austin's parents for the first time since we have lived here. A few weeks before their arrival Austin got a phone call from his parents saying they were not going to be able to make it. Bob was going to be going in for a Sextuple Bypass Surgery. So.... basically he wouldn't be able to make the flight. I am happy to report that he doing well. Hopefully in the future they will be able to reschedule a trip out here. Around the same time we got another call from Austin's mom who told us our brother in law had been in a motorcycle accident. He had quite a bit of damage and was in ICU for quite a few days. Although there was nothing we could do being so far away, we had lots of prayers extended to our Father in Heaven. We are so grateful for both Dave, and Bob's recoveries! They are still not 100% but, they are on their way back. The power of prayer is real, and I know that the Lord has his hand in ALL THINGS. I believe my last post consisted of telling of Payton's bully at school. Well, after a few weeks of trying to figure out what was wrong with Payton, we finally pinpointed it. After her first week of school I told Payton that I would be leaving for a few days to go to Cleveland, Ohio for a GIRLS WEEKEND!!! She seemed to take the news ok, but after that point, she didn't want to go to school. So after much discussion between Austin and I, we decided to take the whole crew up to Cleveland. We did have to make one pit stop though, Cincinnati, Ohio. That is where we picked my mom up. She flew in for the girls weekend, and also to do a conference down where I live. So... after a fabulous weekend ( I will be posting about that as soon as I get pictures from my dad) we returned home with Grandma Colleen. I thought for sure that Payton would be ok now going to school. But... she still hesitated. Here is my conclusion...She was initially upset because she was experiencing something called separation anxiety. (very common in children starting school) Also... I think it runs in the blood. I dont' know how attached Austin was to his mom, but I sure was to mine. I remember every time she would leave I would sleep with her robe. So... poor Payton didn't have a chance. Now even with us being back home with my mom, she was still very reserved about the idea of school. Everyday she would ask me, and still does "Mom, what are you going to do today?" I figured out that she is afraid she is missing out on something fun at home. So I tell her "Well, I will probably clean, and Jaxon and Ashton are going to clean too, and have naps." So... life at home doesn't sound so fun! I am happy to report Payton loves school. So much so, the other morning I thought I would be sly and sleep in and take her late to school. Well it doesn't work out so well when we look out our front door and she can see her school. She saw all of her school friends being dropped off, and she wasn't even ready, she was still in her PJ's. So.... she came in to my room and got upset and told me she was going to be late. I guess I can't get away with that!! Such a responsible little girl! To make it fun for Payton at school we decided to make treats for her class one day. These are the treats: Now... On to Austin. Oh wait... Who is Austin? I once was married to a guy named Austin!! Ok, just kidding. But it is kind of true. Austin is in rotations now for medical school. He has already gone through, Emergency Medicine, Psych, Pediatrics, and is now currently on OBGYN. So in the last four months I see Austin on Friday nights, Saturday, and Sunday. He leaves Sunday nights usually and will head back to his dorm room. At this point in his rotations, he is still undecided about which specialty he will want to pursue, but it is leaning towards OBGYN. He is loving his rotation now. He will be on call for the next 2 weekends. So.... I will basically not see him for 3 weeks. Unless... I go visit him. But it is better this way. He gets to focus and spend all of his spare time studying. This will probably continue for the next year and a half unless we can come up with a new idea. The kids miss him. We went to visit our friends the Pierson's the other day before they moved, and Stewart came in and said "Its obvious that Austin is never around, Jaxon just asked me.. Are you my daddy?" We started laughing. When Austin comes home on the weekends we try and have as much fun as possible. I try and make sure there is no work to be done so all we need to worry about is playing. A few weeks ago we had A SLEEP OVER. I know... I felt like I was in high school again. But we really did. We went up to the Holler and slept over and had a blast. That is old news though, because every time we go up there we have a blast. I am even going up there tonight to have another sleep over (minus my husband). But Austin had his first experience "critter huntin'" and caught himself a squirrel to make squirrel gravy. He loved it!!! He just has to get the lingo down, explained to me about the skinning of the squirrel but called it "de-furring the squirrel." We spent the Saturday going on a four wheeling expedition. We went to the top of the mountain to see the entire valley. We went on a little hike to see Sand Cave. What a beautiful hike, and beautiful day. The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast, the only thing for me that was a little off, was wearing flip flops on a hike. Not that I intended for it to be that way, I just forgot normal tennis shoes. My muscles were sore in very interesting places the next day. Here are some pictures of our fabulous adventure:

Orientation, and first day of Kindergarten!

Last Thursday Payton, her brothers and I went to her school for orientation. Payton got to meet her teacher, see her classroom and play with puzzles and play dough while I filled out a mountain of paper work. She has been waiting for this for a long time. I believe that she has actually talked about going to school now for over a year! So these are some pictures that we took of her before she went to orientation!

This is my big girl on her first day of school. Bright and early at 7:30am Monday August 17th. Boy let me tell you was she all smiles! I was so excited for her, but as every mother can relate... I was nervous for her. I wasn't sure if I was going to cry, I couldn't make any promises. Well, I am happy to report, the day went smoothly she had a blast, and Mommy didn't cry. So today was her fourth day of school, and her first time coming home and crying. My heart broke!! She started crying at school today during nap time. Now... if any of you know or can remember, Payton has not taken a nap since she was 18 months old. This is something very new and different for her. She has dealt with it great so far, but she was a tad on the emotional side today. Now all for good reason...When we first moved here, 2 houses down from us lived a boy. His name was Isaiah. He was hmmmmm.... how do I say it nicely? He was intrusive!!! WITH A CAPITOL I! I can't tell you how many times he would just walk right into our house. That is how we became such fanatics about locking our doors even while we are home. Well, little story about Isaiah, one day Jaxon and Payton were across the street, on the school track riding their bikes, well... there was bike that was just sitting there, and had been for quite a few days. Jaxon hopped off his bike and before I could tell him to not touch the bike that had been laying their for 3 days, little Isaiah ran up behind us, got right in Jaxon's face (Jaxon was 16 months old) and said (in the THICKEST most southern accent you can possibly imagine) "Don't you touch my bike or I'll KIIIILLLLLL you!!!" I quickly grabbed the kids and took them inside! Well a few months later, this little boy and his family ended up moving away. Well, I guess they are back. Turns out... Isaiah is the bully in Payton"s class. He pushed her today and caused quite a stir with her emotions. So.... now... she doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. She is doing a great job though!! I am so proud of her for being so brave! She is doing great in all her school work and enjoys all the fun activities, just not the class bully!!! WAIT TIL HER DADDY FINDS OUT!!!

Jaxon thought he was going to school too, when we walked her to her class room on her first day, Jaxon walked on in and sat down at the table. It was a very sad moment for him when I told him, he couldn't stay.

This is Payton lining up in her class waiting for her teaching to take them to their room. This is the routine every morning. They meet in the gym before school starts and walk to the room as a class.

See her locker, her Ariel back is sticking out of it? She is so proud of it!

Jaxon has become my little buddy, while Asthon has turned in to Caption Terrible Two!

Happy Birthday Payton!!!

On August 7th, it was my sweet little girls 5th Birthday! We let Payton choose what she wanted to do all day, and what she wanted to do for dinner. She chose to stay home and play with play dough, and then she chose a Mexican Restuarant for dinner. It was a pretty relaxing day, and that is what she wanted to do. On August 8th, was the more exciting day! She was having a joint Birthday party with her little friend Kailyn. For the last three years we have done joint Birthday parties with these two little girlies, and I think this year topped them all. We had a huge turn out, and so much fun. We had a little BBQ with hot dogs, chips, watermelon, potatoe salad, and drinks. And to top it off, some pretty groovy birthday cake. Tamsyn made her daughter Kailyn a cake, and I made Payton hers. Seeing as how we were going with the Disney Princess theme, we carried it through to the cakes. Tamsyn made Ariel for Kailyn, and I made Cinderella for Payton. The cakes turned out great and were a total hit at the party! We had the swimming pools out, sidewalk chalk, water table and lots, and lots of kids. It was a blast, and we had the best company! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends over here! This was a very anticipated Birthday for Payton because she knew once she turned five, she would be able to start school. Happy Birthday to my favorite Girl in the World!!! I love you!

Thank you Jen for the pictures!!!

Knoxville Zoo Kid Zone

Two weeks ago we made a trip to Knoxville to go to the Zoo. We looked at the bears for a minute and headed directly down to the Kid Zone! It was a hot day, and they have a cute little splash area for the kids to play in. So we got them in the bathing suits and let them have at it. We went with our friends the Whitings.

More in Cleveland!

This was a splash pond in one of the Metro Parks that surround Cleveland. We went there a couple times while we were up there. It was beautiful, and hardly anyone was there. The kids had a great time!

Cleveland Zoo

Yes, I am a huge slacker!! It has taken me a month to post about anything. So, here are some pictures of the remainder of our trip to Cleveland. We went to the Cleveland Zoo! The best part... it cost $0. Since we have a Knoxville Zoo membership it was free in Cleveland! Can't beat that! Anyway, it was great Zoo, and the kids favorite part were the dinosaurs.

Reason #1 why you should keep the toilet lid down!!!

1. So your 18 month old doesn't sit in it like a bath. Yes, Ashton my sweet obedient little boy was found 2 mornings ago sitting in the pee filled toilet. Not only did he have used toilet paper all over him, but also was enjoying himself with the accessories of my MAKEUP. When I found him he had eye liner and mascara in hand with my hopes that nothing else had been dropped. But... to my dismay he turned around and flushed the toilet and I heard the clinking of what definitely sounded like my foundation. I yanked him out of the toilet and put him in the shower and soaped the nastified little boy down. After getting him all settled I looked through my makeup bag to find that I was not only missing foundation, but eye shadow and tweezers (really good ones). We left for the day and came home that afternoon to find that the toilet was clogged indefinitely. It was spilling over the edges. So...after some googling we (Amie and Laura) both decided that we are both such poor white trash that we could not afford a plumber and that we would need to become plumbers ourselves. So after a trip to Home Depot for a wax ring...we returned home to take the toilet off and extract the makeup with pliers ourselves. Attempt #1-FAIL Reasons: UNKNOWN to poor plumber trash. All we see is lots of water!! Well maybe we had some idea. Don't put the wax ring in the hole. Attempt #2-FAIL Reason: REALLY UNKNOWN to poor white confused plumber trash. WE STILL SEE THE WATER, AAAHHHH!!! At least we were gaining more knowledge on how NOT to install a wax ring. Make sure wax ring is actually on the hole. Attempt#3 FINALLY SUCCESS Reason: Pure Dumb Luck, and a thicker wax ring. AND NO WATER! Fingers crossed breaths held, we are still hoping it keeps working. PRAY FOR US!!!!!!! More importantinly pray for Travis. Here in pictures we share our exciting moments with you! ENJOY!!! Next time we call a licensed plumber!

P.S. If this ever happens to you, DO NOT TELL THE MAN OF THE HOUSE!! OHHHHH I almost forgot!! Reason #2 Why you should keep the toilet lid down! YOU DON'T EVER WANT TO SMELL OR SEE WHAT WE EXPERIENCED FROM DOWN BELOW!

Return to Colby Park

Yesterday we returned to Colby park. This time with Uncle Travis and his brother Ryan and his family. Travis and Ryan played a game of tennis while the moms watched all the kids play. We had a late start yesterday and spent most of the morning in our PJs but.... it was nice. The kids played outside.

At Colby Park we found ourselves a little friend. This is Kenny, for some reason he was drawn to keep visiting us. Maybe because we had food, and he just helped himself right to everything. He was so sweet. He is 13 years old and was such a nice young boy. He sure liked talking about wipes, and how many times I have to change diapers. I think we had that conversation 6 times.

Our kids have become quite the little posers!

BEACHWOOD PARK ADVENTURE!

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY!!!

So much to do for FREE!!!

Austin has now started his rotations. His first week was meant to be in General Surgery and because a few different reasons he ended up in Trauma Surgery. So he moved down to Kingsport, TN and we didn't see him all week long. I decided that the kids and I would take a road trip to Cleveland and consider that our summer vacation. We have now been here for almost one week, and we have spent ZERO money and have had a blast. We have done something new every day. The fabulous thing about this area there are so many Metro Parks, and free things for surrounding citizens to do. The kids are having so much fun with their cousins, but they sure miss their Daddy.

COLBY PARK

LAKE ERIE

SQUIRES CASTLE

My niece Jenny came up to me and had her elbow shuved in my face and said "Aunt Laura, do you want to see an elbow butt?"

4th of July

Our 4th of July was spent with our friends. We had a little BBQ at the Whitings house. This was our afternoon/ evening in pictures.

Don't Buy Little Boys New Clothes!!!!

So we had a little day trip to the park. I debated that morning of having Jaxon wear his newer clothes, but seeing as all his play clothes were being washed my decision was quickly made. Unfortunately this was the end result in my day. This is not mud, it is not paint, it is TAR!!! Dang kid! Actually, I can't get too mad at him, how was he supposed to know that it was fresh TAR, maybe they should have posted a sign or roped it off. But oh well, it made for a good picture.

He called it "ICKY, ICKY Mud."

My little boy dirty, but cute!!!

My Broadway Singer

One of my earliest memories of "Annie" was watching my oldest sister Melinda perform the popular song "Tomorrow" at a talent show or pageant. I remember her red dress and hair all curled up. I grew up loving "Annie" and as a result, I now have a little girl who loves it. So much so, we hear her singing these songs, ALL DAY LONG!!! She requests this movie at least once a day, and when we ask Jaxon what he wants to watch Payton replies for him and tells us he and Ashton want to watch "Annie." Here is our little Broadway Singer.....

Our Summer Vacation!!!

Since Austin has 4 days off, we couldn't do anything super fun or go anywhere! So we decided to take the kids to the Zoo yesterday. We croked at the prices and decided it would be better worth our money to buy a season pass which is only a little more money. Besides, I make frequent trips to Cleveland, Ohio to see my sister, and this pass is reciprical to the Cleveland Zoo. (and many more) So we went to the Knoxville Zoo and had a fabulous day. It is huge and it is really nice. There was a kidz zone, which was so fun. My battery died so I couldn't take pictures. But here is what I did have of our fun day. The kids were great and had a blast.

Getting Out of the House!!!

So we were sick of waiting around today to see if it was going to rain!!! We decided to go to:

And the best part, it only cost $6.00. One of the many perks of living here. We can get our whole family into see a movie cheaper than the cost of one ticket back in Utah. Payton and I had a date night a few weeks ago and came and saw this, but I thought it would be fun for the boys to come and see it too. So I loaded up my purse full of goodies and snuck in. The kids were great, however, the chairs were a little squeaky.

After the movie, we headed to the Finklea's latest hangout post. McDonalds play land. And you know what is even pathetic, we are catching up with our regular McDonalds friends there. We have been there so much recently that are meetin famliar faces.

Ashton could carelss about the toys, all he wants to do is climb in and out of highchairs all day (which tip over) so...

by the end of our play time...

I was fed up with chasing hime around saving his life...

I told him to go climb up into the highchair for a time out!!! Discipline that does the trick!! Just kidding!! But I did ask him to fold his arms.

Speaking of folding arms, he says the cutest little prayers. I will have to video tape it one day and post. Him and Jaxon's. Cute little kiddos. I had a fabulous day with my best buddies!!!

Highchair Graduate!!!

Yes, it is true! My last child is out of the highchair. He did have a couple intimate moments with the floor, but all in all he has learned to balance himself pretty good. He thinks he is pretty cool stuff!! we sure love this little guy! Even though he is a CRAZY HEAD! Now... I am excited to get rid of the highchair from my kitchen. One less thing to clutter our little house:)

A FABULOUS VISIT!

Well this last week we had a fabulous visit from Austin's brothers, Bart and Dave. I couldn't tell who was more excited, Austin or the kids. They were received with lots of hugs and smiles by the kids when they arrived. They both served their missions over in this area, and it is the first time in 20 years that they have come back. They got to visit one of Dave's areas, which just so happens to turn out that is where Austin will be starting his rotations in 2 weeks. We tried to show them a little bit of why we love this area. We of course....took them to "THE HOLLER" which I believed they really enjoyed. (who wouldn't?) And we took them to one of our favorite restaurants. HEAVYS! It has such a fun atmosphere and is really the whole reason we love it so much. It is a typical southern shack, right on the river. We enjoyed their visit very much and I especially am very thankful that they came out to see Austin. He loves his brothers!! Thanks again Bart and Dave for coming! You are welcome anytime!

Water Park Fun!!!

Well it is officially summer now, and we have been taking advantage of every minute of it. Last week we packed up all the kids and went to the nearest water park. We stayed for about 4 hours and then go rained out. The kids had a blast and played hard. Payton even went down the "BIG TWIRLY" slide all by herself. What a brave little girl. Jaxon was just a little fish, he was barely out of the water, and Ashton...well he barely touched the water.

Graduation Ward Party

Our Ward had about 7-8 kids graduating from High School this year, so the ward had a graduation party at the bishops house. It was fun evening, and we ended up staying until about 10pm. Payton's little friend Halle unfortunately ended up with a broken arm, but was a trooper through the whole thing. We love our ward and are so grateful to be here with all of our friends.

MEMORIAL DAY 2009

Memorial Day this year we spent with the Whitings and Sclaters at our house. We set out the BBQ, pool, swimming toys, bubbles and sparklers and let the kids have fun playing while we hoped to have a good time.

Tamsyn and Jeremy had a water fight with all the kids.

Turned out to be a fabulous evening, only thing.... Britton kept falling on our carport and knocking his head!!!

SCLATER FUN!!!

The weather has been beautiful lately, we have been taking advantage of it no matter where we are. Here are my kiddies swimming at the Sclaters. We spent the afternoon relaxing out in the back yard while the kids had a blast playing in the pool and water table.

2 DOWN 2 TO GO!!!

OK, I will be doing some major catching up! Over the last month we have been quite busy. So here is what has happened. Some of my very close friends and I decided to do something fun for our husbands for their last day of class. WAIT, let me say it again... LAST DAY OF CLASS EVER!!!! YAHOO!!! Ok, anyway, we decided to do something cute for them. So we loaded up all of the kids in the cars and headed up to the school. We decorated Rod's car (which they would all be driving home in) in a hurry, and made our way back to the Whiting's house, where we got everything ready for a celebration.

Being the creative wives that we are... we decided to send them on a little scavenger hunt. So inside of the car, this is what they found.

This is what the letter says:

Austin, Jeremy, and Rod,

So you have made it to the end of year two,

And we the wives have been thinking of something for you to do,

We have decided what has to be done

Its to send you on a goose chase just for fun.

Follow these instructions one by one

Do everything we say, it has to be done

Rod, the first thing that you need to do

Is go and collect the other two

Find the camera in the car

Look closely it isn't too far

Take this camera to every place

Don't forget to put a smile on your face

These pictures you take you need to show

to us at home so we may know

Where you've been and what you've done

Now lets begin at number one

So the guys gladly participated and even went above and beyond. As you will notice with each clue, besides the picture that was supposed to be taken, they have added a little more to spice it up a bit.

WARNING!!!! Random picture below. They saw this couple before going into Wal-Mart, 30 minutes later they were "still going at it" so Austin went and asked if he could take their picture.

So... they finally arrived and we at home were waiting for a celebration party. 2 Years Down, 2 years to go.

Because of the compliance with our scavenger hunt, they were awarded very COOL shirts when they came back. They said on the front "I survived the first 2 years of DCOM." The back said, "Have you been Hoffed lately?" (Inside Joke)

The girls had fun planning and I believe the guys had fun following through. We celebrated all evening and had a blast!!!

Carnival with the Local Yocals

Friday Night .... OH WHAT A NIGHT!!! Last year we were on our way to Utah about now, and we missed the carnival. Well, we made sure that we made it this year. We headed into town with our friends the Sclaters and Whitings for an evening full of fun and rides.

Camping

Well, we had a fabulous weekend with Family and Friends!!! My sister Amie and her family came down for the weekend. We of course... took them up to the HOLLER, and for the rest of the weekend we went camping. It has been a few years since we had been camping, so it was great to get out again. On Sunday evening, the Sclaters joined us for dinner. Of course I am steeling the pictures from Jen again. The kids had a great time playing with one another while the adults sat around eating and talking. My little kiddies are exhausted! Did I mention I FROZE!!!!! I think next time we go camping it will have to wait until mid June.

The TOILET!!!!

Ok... sadly enough on this post NO pictures! But some entertaining stories. Tonight we went to the Sclaters house for dinner, while we were there, Jen and Tamsyn said "Uh... Laura...!!!" Pointing to the other side of the dining room was my little boy Jaxon standing in the door way with his pants down to his ankles and his diaper off, and all of his manhood revealed. Proudly he announces, "I di it, I di it' I do potty!" Austin turned to me and said... "Do you want to do it?" I told him NO, this was a mans job to be with his boy. HA HA! I was just giving them a great bonding moment. Austin showed him how to go to the bathroom but apperantly Jaxon beat him too it. He had already gone potty in the toilet. GOOD JOB JAXON!!!! We didn't even need to force him! Now... A couple stories on Payton. Now, she will probably hate me when she is older for posting these stories on a blog, but I want to remember them. A few weeks ago I was walking down our hall passing the bathroom. Out of the corner of my eye I notice Payton looking between her legs down into the toilet. I didn't pay any attention, and kept walking into the kitchen. Then I hear..."Uuuuuuuuhhhhhhhh Oooooohhhhhh, somethin's comin' out of my bumb!!! UH OH!!! I wonder what it could be? OHHHHHH, it's ok, it's just my poops!!!" I just died laughing. Just how she was saying it was so matter of fact. She wasn't trying to be funny! I just don't think she has ever noticed that whole process before. Enlightening I know!!! Tonight after coming home from the Sclaters for dinner, I told Payton to go directly into her room and get her jammies on. Once again in her matter of fact tone, she said, "Ummm, I need to go potty first." P.S. She was on one in the car!!!!!! So anyway she was taking forever in the bathroom and all of a sudden we hear her singing, "I am a Child of God. And he has sent me here. Has given me an eartly home with parents kind and dear." AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS! Then she got off the toilet, flushed the toilet, walked into her room put on her jammies, and all the while STILL SINGING AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS!!! CUTE KIDS!!!

Productive Husband and Wife Time!!!

While Austin Studies...

I paint.

We use our time wisely!!!

FUNNY LITTLE PAYTON!!!

Today as I was getting out of the shower, I walked out into the hall and Payton said "Mom, come here." So I walked over to her and she waved me down to her level. "Mom, go look in my room." she said with a smile on her face just like this picture. So I marched down the hall extremely interested in what she wanted me to see. I gasped (for her sake) and turned back around and said, "OH MY GOSH... you are such a good girl." She said with all the confidence in the world and matter of fact attitude, "YUP, I did, I cleaned my room." I was still at the end of the hall when I turned to see her throw her arms open and her head back....waiting for me to run and give her a hug. So I ran to her and gave her a big hug and told her she was such a good girl. She looked up at me and said "Mom...the Holy Ghost is with me, because I am a good girl." Payton's cousins were just baptized over the last couple months, so baptism and the word HOLY GHOST have been going around quite a bit in our home. When she attended her cousin Jenny's baptism her Grandma Colleen gave a talk about the HOLY GHOST. I was out in the hall while she was giving this talk, but I sure heard about it from Payton. She later told me a story that sounded very familiar. I was trying to figure out for the life of me where she heard this story... I had never told her. And finally she got to the part about the HOLY GHOST and I figured she heard it from Grandma's talk. Payton proceeded to tell me the story that happened to my mom as a young mother. She had my oldest brother in sister in the bath (they are twins) and the water was running. The phone rang and she went to quickly answer it. She got distracted by the severity of the call. She heard a voice come to her and tell her to go and get her babies. She ignored this voice 2-3 times, on the last time she felt this distinct voice say "Go and get your babies they are drowning." When my mom entered the bathroom, the babies were floating face down in the water. After Payton explained this story to me in her own words I told her who those two babies were, "they were Uncle David and Aunt Melinda". She gasped ..."So they're dead in Heaven with Heavenly Father and Sister Jeppson's mommy." I explained what happened and she was extremely relieved. But what a funny little girl.

POOL PARTY AT THE SCLATERS!!!

Ok... My friend Jennifer Sclater the wonderful hostess that she is... had us over to her house today for a little play date. And this is what she had planned. Pool Party and Ice cream Sundaes. The kids had an absolute blast, while the moms caught up. It has been awhile since we have all gotten together. So.... us Finkleas had a WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, OUTSTANDING DAY WITH OUR FRIENDS.

Jen and Tamsyn... I love you girlies!!!! (p.s. Thanks for letting me Blog Steel pictures Jen)

Julia Finklea

So you know when you complain to your husbands that ... "You never told me that" ? Well, I have one for you. Our sister in law Heidi gave birth on April 9th, 2009 to this little baby girl. I don't know how much she weighed but... her name is Julia, and she looks like her older brother Blake. Congratulations to Brett, Heidi, Carter, Blake and Brooklyn on their new little addition to their family. We love you guys and miss you!!!

Family Prayer

Each night before the kids go to bed we have our family prayers. Since Payton was a little baby we have made it part of our routine to sing songs, and then say prayer. As the family has grown the routine surprisingly has stuck. This is how each evening goes: MOM and DAD: Ok, Jaxon what song do you want to sing? Jaxon: Uhhhhhh BATMAN!!!! Everyeone: na na na na na na na BATMAAAAAAN!!! MOM and DAD: Ok, Payton it is your turn, what song do you want to sing? Payton: Well.... princess! EVERYONE: (and we sing little mermaid) MOM and DAD: Ok, lets get on our knees and have prayers. Jaxon: My turn, my turn. Payton: NOOOOO its my turn, first. Jaxon:No my turn fut.( my turn first) MOM and DAD: Ok Jaxon tonight you go first and then Payton will have a turn Jaxon: KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYY Jaxon: He FA (Heavenly Father) doo doo doo dood doo doo AAAAAMEEEEEN!! EVERYONE:A MEN! Payton: K, its my turn. Payton: Heavenly Father, grateful for this day, had a good day........ (and 10 minutes later and everything that happened to her during the day and saying that she loves every person she can think of always always including Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph SMith and "Who is again MOM?" President Monson) In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. Everyone: AMEN! Payton: K Asthon, its your turn. Ashty, can you fold your arms. Ashton: (while folding his arms )luka luka luka luka (rolling his tongue in jibberish) Now... we do have some variation each night, but... this is pretty darn close to what happens every night. Payton told us the othe day that she was such a good Sister teacher, because she taught Ashton how to fold his arms and say his prayers. Last night Payton would not go to sleep, I went in I don't even know how many times. The last time I went in I was getting frustrated and I asked her why she was calling me. She said "Because I'm scared of the dark." ( 7:00pm sun is bright as it was mid day) So I explained to her that if she is scared and alone she needs to say a prayer to Heavenly Father to help her not feel so scared. We had a little discussion about it and I left the room. 5 minutes later she is calling me again. AAHHHHHHHH!!! I walked in and said "What?" She said "Mom, I prayed to Heavenly Father and he Loves Me." If only we each felt that assurance and confidence in our Heavenly Father's love so quickly! She is such a sweet little girl, and a wonderful example to her brothers. I love that little kids are always so willing to say prayers. She is on a kick right now of talking about the HOLY GHOST!!! Pretty interesting listening to some of the things that she has to say.

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!!

Austin has been trying to convince me to let him get the AC's down. 87 Degrees today!!!! Since we were left without a car (again) today we decided to go for a little walk and get a popsicle from the local grocery store. So I loaded the kids up in the wagon and I headed into town thinking I was taking a short cut....(Side Note: DON'T TAKE SHORT CUTS IN THE SOUTH) I finally turned all the way around and back tracked because there were so many DOGS. I thought we were going to get eaten. SERIOUSLY!!!! Well we got to the store got our popsicles, walked passed the post office so Payton could check our junk mail, and off to home where they spent until 6pm playing with neighbours. Tomorrow we are looking forward to playing with the Sclaters, with a fun day of activities outside. Little Ashton was trying to find his rock.

Ashton getting into the garden.

Jaxon took my picture, I had to bend down so I actually got into the picture.

Payton took this picture.

Payton is showing me here "ROLLIE BOWLIE."

There was quite the dialog going on between Payton and this "rollie bowlie" today.

Payton set it down for just a minute and Jaxon walked up and stomped on it. :) DEATH SCREECHING SCREAMS ERUPTED!!!!

Payton and Jaxon rode their bikes all afternoon!!!Jaxon's new bike. Some friends from the Holler pitched in and got this for Jaxon for his Birthday!!! He loves it to death

He thinks he is pretty hot stuff!!!

Jaxon's Birthday

April 17th Jaxon turned 3 years old. We were right in the middle of having Barbara here in Knoxville so we missed celebrating his big day. Saturday we had a birthday party/cookout at the local park. It was beautiful 87 degree day. Saturday morning we all got up pretty early. Austin had an OMM Board review class to attend all day starting at 7:50am. The kids and I went to Knoxville to participate in the National Day of Service. So after we dropped Austin off at school, we headed on down to Knoxville after picking up Trey and Millie Smith. The two Stakes in Knoxville together with the Red Cross, passed out emergency preparedness information to an entire zip code. While I wasn't much help with three kids, it was a great event to participate in and support. So after a long morning of being in the car and being drug around, the park was the perfect escape for the kiddies. They played so hard. Jaxon had a wonderful birthday and was spoiled by friends. My little boy is not going to need another Super Hero for the rest of his life. I stayed up until 3am Saturday morning making his cake. I wasn't going to have time Saturday to make it for him so needed to get it done. It was actually fun decorating the cake, I WAS A MESS THOUGH!!!! Covered in black frosting. I looked like a kid. Thank you to all of our friends who came to celebrate our little buddies birthday. We are sure blessed to have such wonderful friends who support us in our activities just like family would if they were here. Jaxon has changed so much over the last 6 months. He is turning into a little boy and creeping out of the baby stage. He has mellowed out a ton, and we are loving it. He is the sweetest little boy and has turned into quite the little cuddle bug. We sure love our little Jaxon, and I would be lost with out his little smile the brightens up his entire face. Happy Birthday Jaxon!!!

MARRIAGE TIPS

This weekend as I have previously mentioned, we had Barbara Barrington Jones come to our Stake here in Knoxville, Tennesse and on Saturday night she did a Marriage Fireside. As part of her fireside she gave a list of the top five needs of men and women. Now these are a compilation of 5 different Doctors who put this together and they are all male. Just thought I would share the info if anyone is interested. I was interested to know what they were. Top 5 Needs for a Woman

1. Security
2. Listen Carefully
3. Meaningful Conversation
4. Honest and Openness
5. Family Commitment and Financial Support

Top 5 Needs for a Man

1. Companionship
2. Sexual Fulfillment
3. Attractive Spouse (doesn't mean skinny)
4. To Be Admired
5. Domestic Support (Family Support)

What a Fabulouse Day!!!

I had my Doctors appointment about my arm today... I am in the clear. The staff infection is gone, and I am on a steroid pack clearing everything else up. So... all good. Now, while on my way to my appointment I got a call from my mother today announcing that.... These two cuties are now PROUD BIG SISTERS and

and one very PROUD Daddy

and even a more grateful Mommy to a new Baby BOY (who as of right now is unnamed).

The Hunsakers welcomed this sweet little bundle of Joy into their family, April 22, 2009. I got the pleasure of meeting the little guy over Oovoo. Thank goodness for technology! And what a way to round up a great day!!! Girls night out! Once again a picture stolen from Jen, our photographer. I have just found out the flash doesn't work on my camera. Sooooooo!! Jen came through for the picture. We watch "Steel Magnolias." I have never seen it before, and I have to say that is a pretty funny show!! Thanks Tamsyn for letting us have it at your house. I love these girls!!!!

So much has happened

WARNING!!!!! THIS IS A LONG POST!!! Ok where do I begin. Over the last few weeks I haven't blogged due to much stress in my life. :) JUST KIDDING!!! Actually I have been kind of busy. We have been painting our house, doing yard work and try to get our house presentable for when my parents came. Well the Thursday before Easter I took off in the car once again for Cleveland, Ohio. My little niece Jenny was baptized. So as I was driving my arm started to itch where I was previously scratched by a bush in our back yard. It continued to itch all day, but thought nothing of it. The next day the scratch started get inflamed and growing. I let it go another day and finally my brother in-law took a look at it. (he is a doctor) With everything that was presented to him he diagnosed me with something called Sporotrichosis, which is fungus that is eating my arm. Anyway... I thought I would hold off starting anything due to finances until I got home. I thought it would be ok. Well it got infected and started weeping, it was pretty gross. So my brother in law started me on the medication needed to cure this. (Which cost an arm and a leg.) After a couple of hours I started itching. Now this is all taking place on Easter Sunday. So we carry on our business with Easter festivities, and finally my sweet brother in law hooked me up to an IV full of antibiotics. The infection went down immediately.

Well, later that night I started itching quite a bit. Monday morning I woke up and this is what I looked like! From my neck, to my toes. NO JOKE!!! And NO that is not a picture of me. But that is exactly what I looked like. IT WAS AWFUL!!!! I was praying it didn't go to my face. I had a BIG conference coming that I was over and I was just praying it didn't go to my face. Luckily it didn't!!! I got to the doctor down here at DCOM (Austin's school) and they took me off of everything. I had an allergic reaction to the medication, I had a staff infection, and they wanted to start from square one. So the started me on an antibiotic and gave me a steroid shot. So for the last week my arm has been all wrapped up, and I am happy to say that the rash is almost gone, but my entire body is extremely itchy still. So.... I will keep you posted. My doc appointment is tomorrow. Easter was fun for the kiddies, but we missed Austin. He stayed home to study! He would be sacrafising the next weekend for me watching the kids during this conference. And he had a test this last monday that he needed to study for. But he was so awesome to help and support me during this special weekend.

I think Payton got enough candy for all of us to last a year. She had her bag pretty full! My kind of girl!

Ashton knew exactly what to do. It was pretty cute! This was his first easter egg hunt. He would pick the eggs up eat them and I would have him put them in the bag I was carrying for him.

We spent Easter at Ryan and Heather Smiths house. Their back yard was perfect for all the kids that we had.

Jaxon did really good, he was so excited. He kept saying "DA DA, I did it." Translation is MOM, I did it.

I saw the cutes thing write before we let the kids out for the Easter Egg hunt. I looked out the window and saw this bright yellow thing move out of the corner of my eye, it was a squirrel carrying a yellow Easter egg away. IT WAS CUTE!

Here are the Mom's hiding the eggs.

This is our Easter picture! These are the kids new clothes from the Easter Bunny AKA Grandma! It was fun being in Cleveland with Grandma and Grandpa and cousins. Especially because Grandpa wrestles with everyone.

This picture was taken write after our walk that we went on.

Jaxon wore this mask the entire walk. So him and Cameron faught like superheroes...

while the girls all posed for the picture.

What a scary Grandpa!!!

This was Payton and Grandma at Jenny's baptism.

Ashton and Grandma at Jenny's baptism.

Jaxon at Jenny's baptism.

Here is Jenny and her Daddy. On their special day, Jenny was baptized by her Daddy on April 11, 2009.

Jenny in her baptism dress.

For every Grandchild that is baptized my parents each do something very special. My dad makes jewellery boxes for the girls, and treasure boxes for the boys.

My Mom gives this picture to each child to show their ancestors who have all been baptized before them.

Monday morning I got packed up to head home. My parents (mother) insisted that they follow me home to make sure that I made it safely. I was hopped up on benadryl too. I have to say... that was miserable ride home. Thank goodness for my mom being in the car with me. They followed me to Lexington and I insisted that they left and went on their little two day get away before coming to my house. Well the next day we made our way into town to see the doctor, and low and behold my dad called and said they were 20 minutes away.

So finally, little Payton got to show Grandma and Grandpa Hunsaker how she can ride her bike like a big girl.

Austin and my Dad took off that afternoon and went to see the beautiful area, and you can't come and see us without seeing the biggest cow you have ever seen in your life. So finally, after two years of living here, my Dad got a picture of it with Austin (6 foot 4 inches) standing right next to it. Its HUGE!!! GOT MILK!

And of course..... you can not come and visit us without going up and having a "HOLLER" experience.

This is what we had been most excited about. These are some of our closest friends, close enough that our kids call them Aunt, and Uncles, Mamaws and Papaws. And finally my parents were able to see what draws us up there.

They had an absolute BLAST!! (Those are my moms words) There were so many pictures taht my Dad took in the Holler, I could only get a few and post. Thank you to our friends in the Holler for letting us invite ourselves over.

Well after months and months of planning, the weekend finally arrived! Barbara Barrington Jones flew in on Thursday night to the Knoxville Airport. I went and picked her up while my mom stayed with my kiddies at the Hotel. Friday night Barbara did a Youth Fireside, and Saturday she did an all day Women's Conference, and Saturday Night she did an Adult Fireside. The weekend was a wonderful success. I know that many lives were touched!! And finally after 7 years of me talking about her, Austin finally got to meet Barbara. I think he is a fan!!!!

While we women were at our conference, my Dad and Austin had the kids. My Dad took some pictures of the kids. Here are a few;

I was excited for my Dad to come so he could take family pictures. It all ended up not working out so well due to weather and time, but we ended up Sunday right before they left getting this one. Not to shabby for a hillbilly family from Rose Hill, Virginia.

And these are the members of Cumberland Gap ward who were at the Women's Conference. I love my ward so much and know that I would be lost without them. They are my family away from family. During this hectic week we had no time to celebrate Jaxon's 3rd Birthday. April 17th was his special day. But.... we will celebrate it this weekend. There has been so much that has happened that I can't be too detailed in what I write, but that was the highlights of our last couple weeks.

FRIENDS MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND!

Good thing my friend Jenn blogs before me! I don't have to get my camera out tonight and upload my pictures. (which are exactly the same) Time has seemed to escape me, I feel like I haven't had our friends over in so long. Now when this happens I go through withdrawals. I have been feeling the effects of it, so something had to happen. On a whim last night I decided to have Tamysn and Jenn come over for Taco Soup today. So from 12:30pm to around 4:00pm we played. Now this is impressive we had...8 children under the age of 4 in this house. It was noisy!!!! And.... Ashton managed to take a good 2 hour nap, and he could have kept on sleeping if I hadn't woken him up. After being bitterly disappointed with the unexpected rain outside today, we came back inside and turned on "Lilo and Stitch." This was "the crew" intently watching the movie for about 5 minutes.

What a cute bunch of kiddos!

So...it is a problem that happens in the Finklea house... and I think the Sclater kids have caught on too. Every time (no exaggeration) I bend over on all fours my kids immediately jump on me like I am a horse. I early on made the mistake of running through the house on all fours and now I feel like an old woman, my wrists just don't feel the same anymore. So, today I got down on the floor to pick something up, next thing you know I was swarmed from a flock of KIDS. And so here is the picture.

Thanks girls for coming out to my place today! It was lots of fun as usual and looking forward to another fun day tomorrow! (We will be bombarding Jenn, in her home)

I AM A SLACKER

Wow!!!! I am almost making up for an entire month. Be prepared, the following pictures are an accumulation of the last 26 days. Well first and foremost we have had cabin fever!!! Can you tell? A few times a week at minimum Payton has pulled out swimming suits for herself and her brothers, and they pretend that the living room is the swimming pool. It had been working wonderful until they started using a diving board... Jaxon dove off the couch face first and got a bloody nose everywhere. NO MORE SWIMMING IN THE HOUSE!

The weather has been warming up which has been wonderful. This has really helped with the urge of swimming in the living room. There have been quite a few days where we have gone to a few different parks around the area. Quite a few weeks ago we went to the park with my friend Tamsyn and her girls!!! We spent quite a few hours out there playing and my kids were so dirty, but it was so fun for them to be outside for so long.

On the 7th of this month we made the trip to Nashville to go to the temple with our Ward. One of our favorite people over here got his mission call to the Ogden, Utah mission. He was going through for the first time. It was such an awesome day to be there with our closest friends. Going into the Celestial Room was Heaven on earth. Those people will be some of the people that I will want to be with me forever and ever.

On the 9th Austin had his course test, and returned home to install doors. When he got home he said "I have a great idea...you should go to Cleveland this week to visit Amie (my sister). AKA he wanted us out of the house so he could work! So I called Amie that afternoon and we hit the road the next day for Cleveland. We spent 4 days hanging out with cousins! It is always fun to be with my sister, and even better for my kids to see their cousins which they love. One day while we were there we went to Pittsburg to the Science Center. The kids had a blast! And... I had my first experience of going to IKEA! GREAT STORE! Most of the time the kids spent their time at the water table. Jaxon was sopping wet by the end of the day. We let the kids all sleep together one night, this was what we found... Cameron was practically ontop of Jaxon, I suggested that we move the boys, and we decided to leave them. Next thing we knew they had woken up crying. Camille was the smart one sleeping away from everyone.

After the Science Center and Ikea we headed over to Steak n Shake! All of the kids had their own tables, and the moms had their own table. I am sure we were a sight to see, but it was still fun!

Well after returning home from Cleveland we came home to a newly remodled home!! Almost! Austin spent the entire week replacing all of our doors and windows in our house. It looks awesome! What a huge blessing it is that he is such a handy guy, and not that he is just handy but he is actually really good at it. He spent a few years learning from his brother Dave how to do all of this kind of stuff. And alot of it has been a learning experience on his own too. What better way to learn than on your own house huh? I will post pictures on a later date when everything is all painted. I don't usually brag too about Austin nor does he like it, but what can I say.... He's quite the guy! Here are the kids on one of our trips to Home Depot. Ashton is playing peekaboo, and Payton and Jaxon are sitting up on a shelf by the cabinets. Our kids love going to Home Depot and Lowes because we take them over to the riding lawn mowers and they play on them. It is like a ritual that we have. LAME I KNOW! But they love it!

Austin had spring break last week, we spent most of it working on the house! We did take a break and go to Knoxville one day! Nice way to spend our break huh? Austin has no time anymore. He is studying quite a bit now to take his step one board test in June. He will be starting his rotations at the end of June.

I think we have a mix up at our house!

OK....now... for the long awaited pictures of the Holler!!! HERE THEY ARE! We have spent the last two weekends up there having a blast. This is what is called a "COOKOUT" translation= BBQ, but on a much bigger scale. This is the sign leading up to the Holler, this is their way of saying they want their road fixed, AND... it worked!!

this is the road going up to the Holler. A simple way to describe a Holler is; you have a mountain on your right, a mountain on your left and the HOller is what is in the middle.

This is the head of the Holler. Papaw Smith.

This is our Holler missionary. He just reported to the MTC this week. He will be serving in the Ogden, Utah mission, so all of our family back in Utah... watch for this guy... he is awesome!

Ok, if you want to know the story... look on our previous blog post where you see the picture of the Hershey's Syrup bottle. This was presented to Austin and Me in front of everyone in the Holler plus some! :) WE LOVE IT!!!

These were taken yesterday morning! Payton kept yelling "Moooooooooooommm, MOoooooooom." (I was laying in bed) I finally said "What Payton." She said "I'm such a good sister, come take a picture of me and Ashty."

Ok, other updates for this month are.... Payton officially has learned how to ride her bike. No traning wheels, now that has been for a few weeks, but now she can ride it 1 mile, without falling. I was at Enrichment last night and I got a call from Payton, she was so excited to tell me that she rode her bike 4 times around the track. I am so proud of her. We told her that we could get her a new bike if she learned how to ride this one. (Even though she is still 4, she is so tall she is almost too big for it.) I will take a video and post it later. Austin has been pretty frustrated these last few weeks trying to apply for rotations. Well finally he was accepted to his first rotation in Cleveland, Ohio at South Point which is part of the Cleveland Clinic. We are pretty excited!? An update on my Grandma. She is out of the hospital and home! She is doing as well as she possible can after having back surgery! She is still in our prayers as well as my Grandpa. I know that this has been a huge trial for the both of them. I want them to know how much I love them. I think about them all the time and appreciate their strength. While I was in Cleveland my Mother in law went in for surgery. As far as I have heard she is doing well and was home the day after. We have been thinking of them also and wanted to let them know how much we love them. And a special congrats to my little nephew Logan Keith Stucki! He was baptized on March 21st, 2009 in Texas. He had both sets of his Grandparents there to support him and some Aunts and Uncles from Brandon's family there. We love you Logan and are so proud of you buddy!

The last 6 months I have been organinzing a huge conference for Barbara Barrington Jones to come to the Knoxvilee, and Knox. Cumberland Stake. She will be coming in about 3 weeks to do 3 Firesides in 2 days. I am pretty excited for it. I know that our Stakes over here are going to love her. I will be pretty busy with the final planning of that over the next few weeks and hoping for a smooth weekend and a good turn out!

Thank YUNS!!! in the HOLLER!!!!

We had another fabulous afternoon and evening up in the "HOLLER." One of these days I will actually remember to take my camera up there!!! This time we let the HOLLER FOLK experience what is now deemed the "FINKLEA EXPERIENCE." Which actually means we made panini sandwiches. Usually when we go to the Holler we have a chicken experience which will now take on the new name the HOLLER EXPERIENCE!!! So to let me translate they all mean really good sandwiches. We had a full fun night with the kids playing together and the adults talking and playing "Guitar Hero." There is never a dull moment up there. Jim Ford was of course as always playing with the kids, he allowed the girls and even Hyrum and Jaxon to dress him up with make up and jewellery. He looked gorgeous!!! Our friend Mandy got a new Daytona Dodge Charger, so Austin and I got a chance to take that out for a spin. Lets just say it is a good thing Austin doesn't own a fast car. Thank you to our very close friends up in the Holler for another wonderful evening. We love you!!!

We Love Chocolate Syrup!!!

In our house chocolate syrup is a part of our morning and nightly ritual. Our kids love their chocolate milk. It is a necessity!!! When we run out... bad news! A few months ago Austin made his way over to our local grocery store. SUPER DOLLAR!!! They have become so comfortable with Austin that they now call him Doc. So now with walls down and comfort levels high, they say anything. Austin grabbed 2 bottles of Hershey Chocolate Syrup and made his way up to the register. As the Cashier rang these up she turned to Austin and in her southern accent said "So...what yuns gonna do with this, poor it all over each other and lick it off?" Austin replied with a simple, "well, actually my kids just really like chocolate milk." We love living in the SOUTH!!!!!

48 Hours Missing

After 2 1/2 days of not seeing their Daddy, Payton, Jaxon and Ashton were extremely excited when Daddy walked through the door today. We decided to go to the park and spend a little time together. I think Dad was just as excited if not more to see the little kiddies!!! This is them all watching a movie before bed tonight!

So what do we do when Dad is gone for 2 days, we have fabulous tea parties.

It turned out to be big enogh where we didn't even need to eat lunch.

The kids had so much fun, and it filled their tummies.

Everything was gone by the end of our tea party. Maybe I should serve dinner as a tea party more often. That way I will ensure that it will get eaten.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are having tea parties with our friends Hillary and Jocelyn Mitchell. When we lived in Lacey, Washington, we were constantly invited to have tea parties. What a magical childhood. Payton is constantly asking to have tea parties, so we went all out.

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!!!

Yesterday was my Birthday, however it seemed like the whole weekend was a celebration. The Birthday festivities started Friday afternoon when my friends Jen and Tamsyn set up a little birthday dinner. Thank you to the both of them for always being such wonderful friends. Check out my 12 layer Birthday cake made by Jen.

My sweet husband organized our first date in almost 2 years for Saturday. No, kids.... I didn't really know what to do with myself. My friend Shelby came over at 2:00pm and we did not arrive home until 10:30pm. Wow!!! I owe her big time!! Austin and I enjoyed our time alone shopping and going out to dinner. Thank you Austin for the wonderful Birthday date. I love you!

Yesterday was just planned to attend church, well around 8 we got a call and once again for the second time since Christmas Church was canceled due to the snow. So.... yesterday was spent doing absolutely nothing but hanging out with the kids. We played monster, chutes and ladders, candy land, checkers, legos and watched movies. We later went for a drive and here below in a couple pictures I have captured some of true essence of southern living. A nice relaxing day spent with my little family, no better way to spend my birthday!!! Austin has been extremely sweet all weekend, but I do have to tell this funny story. Yesterday around 2:00pm he came to me and said..."ummm, do you think it would be in bad taste if I asked if I could go and take a nap on your birthday?" We both started laughing, and as I honestly don't care for naps myself, I didn' care that he would take one on MY BIRTHDAY!!! It was just fun giving him a bit of a hard time about it. See in our marriage we have comprimised on this one thing. Austin's day to take a nap is Sunday!!!! So I half expected it anyway!!!

Happy Birthday Stacey!!!

A Big Happy Birthday Wish goes out to our friend Stacey!!! We love you and are thinking of you! Hope you are having a wonderful day in the Land of Iowa!! We sure miss the good ole' days.

Happy Birthday JJ

Jenny, just wanting to wish you a Happy 8th Birthday!!! We sure love you and are so proud of you for getting Baptized. We will see you in a few weeks for that special day! Hope you have a great Birthday Party and have lots of fun! Remember we get to give you 8 spanks when we see you next!!!

Meet in the Middle

What a wonderful way to start our week!!!! Monday morning at 4am I arose to get ready, by 6:30am we were all out the door to drop Austin off at school, by 7am we were headed on our way to Cincinnati to meet up with my sister Amie and her three kids Jenny, Camille, and Cameron. Now Cincinnati is about half way between both of us. So leaving at the same time was key in meeting up at the same time. So as I started on my way I was an hour into my journey when finally I talked with Amie and she said "I will be leaving in about 10 minutes." So we weren't in such a rush, we stopped just outside Lexington to eat breakfast. The kids were so good, they ate all their breakfast and were so well behaved. After meeting up with each other in Cincinnati we went into the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. Now.... it was enjoyable but a little much with all the kids and only two adults. But all the same the kids still did pretty good. After lunch we got in the car and tried to find somewhere for the kids to get their wiggles out, which ended up being a little more difficult than we expected. So with Amie's trusty GPS we searched the area for play areas and finally ended up at another mall where there ended up being a play area and an arcade area.

Ashton loved driving this little car, he was all over it.

The kids were playing hide and seek

Jenny first counting...

while Camille and Payton hid.

Cameron and Jaxon just did their own thing

While Ashton was still in the little yellow car.

And in those rare moments where we weren't chasing our kids we got to sit down for a moment.

Jaxon didn't play inside the toys, he climbed on top of them, making the most dangerous situation possible.

He loved this rocket, he has had a fascination with Buzz Light Year recently, so he thought he was hot stuff inside a rocket. He kept saying he was Buzz.

This is in the Arcade area where there was a play area. It was so perfect for the kids there were the play balls everywhere that shot out of cannons and slides and things to climb on.

They each had bags that they would collect all these balls in.