911

In this last week, my phone obsessed daughter, called 911. They luckily called me back to see if anything was wrong before sending someone out. After many times of me telling them that everything was ok, and that my baby did it, they finally believed me and let me go. Also, this week, my 3 year old Tyce was exploring his little boy parts in the bath, and is now convinced that he has "eggs" - so he must be a bird. So one child thinks he is a bird, and the other is calling the cops! Thank God for other mommies going through all this craziness and totally understand my week. Although a crazy week, I have just had to laugh at all the events.......what else can you do but just laugh!

P.S Trin turns 1 tomarrow .....pics to follow soon

Heaven Got A New Angel Today

Today my beloved Grandma Joyce went to be with Jesus. I have never lost someone this close to me, and it hurts so much. I miss her already and keep trying to figure out how I can change it, and make things go back to the way that they used to be. She was the best Grandma in the world, and as I grew older she also became a great friend. We would go out for coffee, or just take a drive to get her (and me and the kids) out of the house for some fresh air. She loved my kids so dearly and they were her world.

I love you Grandma. I know that you are in heaven dancing with Grandpa, and I am happy for that. I just am having a hard time thinking of the rest of my days on earth without you, but I know that I will see you again. I love you.

Ride 'Em Cowgirl

When we were out at Troy's folks the other weekend we did lots of fun things! One of the things that the kids always do is ride horses. I knew that Sheila was saddling up the horses and Jim had Trin, but I didn't know that she was ready to be a cowgirl! When I saw her on the horse I couldn't believe my eyes, but as I watched I was totally comfortable because Jim was holding her on and the horse is pretty old and has always been a great kids horse. She loved it and was not wanting to get off!

This is what she had to say after her big ride!

9 Blissful years

So I am about a month late on this one too, but I had to post my 9 year wedding anniversary! The last 9 years have been the best years of my life! I could not ask for a better life and I am so happy and grateful for my wonderful little family!


Us crazy kids back in the day!


9 years and 4 kids later!
Going out for dinner on our anniversary!

Halloween pics a little late

We went out to Troy's parent's house to go Trick or Treating in their area. Troy's cousin Theresa and her boyfriend Adam also joined us, and spoiled all the kids with toys and lots of candy! Thanks guys!




Grandma Sheila, Tinkerbell, and her first My little Pony from Adam and Theresa




TinkerBell did not care for the wings at all!!!!

Group shot! Spiderman( Tate), Tinkerbell ( Trin), Ironman (Tanner) and Tyce was supposed to be Elmo, but refused to put it on. I am not even sure who Ironman is, and neither does Tanner, but that is what he wanted when Grandma and Grandpa Hostetter bought his costume. Kids are too funny! It was a great day! I have sooo much candy in my house, and chocolate is sooo hard to resist!

Top 10 reasons I need my daughter to take A nap during the day!

10. I can only play peek a boo and dance for so many hours a day.

9. She would be so much more settled if she would give into it, and not see her crib as the evil thing I keep putting her in( and then taking her out of when she gets super upset.....yes I know, this problem is my fault for being a softy - ha ha).

8. Because as much as I wish that I could hold her while she naps everyday, with our family size, that time has passed.

7. I have had 3 UTIs since she was born, because I get to busy to pee. I wouldn't recommend it. I make the time now.

6. Supper

5. Laundry

4. Dishes

3. There are 4 other people that need things from me.

2. I have not had a shower in two days

1. My sanity.

I love her very much and know that when I get a shower today I will be much better. If she would even give me a half hour or hour a day - I would feel like a new women. I kinda feel like I am shoveling snow while it is snowing - ha ha! I keep telling myself that this time will pass, and with her being my last baby, I know someday I will want this back! So me and my stinky self are trying to stay postitive and grateful!

Trinity's dance party

Trin is all about dancing to anything with a beat - the radio, commercials, and even my printer's noises when she is sitting by my computer. Enjoy!

October WInter Wonderland

This has been the scene at my house the last two days! Crazy! One day you can be watching a soccer game with no jacket, and the next day you might be making a snowman. That's South Dakota for ya!

Happy birthday to me - with my family!

Last week was my birthday and I was so blessed to have my little brother Josh and his wife Kassi home for the week. They totally spoiled me too much! They got me a haircut and some highlights, shampoo, conditioner, a hair straightener, and an ice cream cake! They spoiled me so much I better fly down to Arizona on their birthday's to return the favor! I wish!!!


We had to get a picture together before they left to see Kassi's family, and then back to Arizona.


I miss them so much already! I cannot wait to see them at Christmas.

6 Things

Here are the rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. List 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post

• I will have my 9 year wedding anniversary in a few days!!! With out a doubt, the best 9 years of my life. The funny thing I just calculated, is that I have been either pregnant or nursing for 7 of the 9 years! Wow! That is crazy! You might be wondering if I plan on having 13 children, as I seem to get asked on occasion. The answer to that is no, we are done. Three c-sections is as far as I am willing to push my body. I have not yet regretted my decision to be done, and really feel that our family is complete.
• I love mini vans! I know there are a ton of people out there that loathe the mini van - but not me! They are the handiest thing to have with kids! Once you try it, you'll never go back.....ha ha! I also love coffee! It is my every morning routine. I do however love it with creamer and sugar, sooooooo you might say it tastes nothing like coffee, but I love it!
• My boys and I love to put on fun music and dance silly around the living room. They have a blast, and it is great exercise for this momma.
• I still look at my daughter in awe everyday, and think how Great is my God! I do the same for my three amazing boys and hubby!
• I am starting to mentally compile really big, hearty recipes for meals that I can use someday when I have 3 teenage boys! A tiny part of me is a little freaked out, but more so, I feel up to the challenge. I love to find ways to make something cost-effective and yummy! I do like to cook for my family. I get something very rewarding out of meeting that need for my kids, and my hubby doesn't mind either! Ha Ha.
• Troy and I pray for protection over our family everyday before he heads to work. I am by nature a worrier, so I give it to God and trust he has it handled.

I tag Amy and Jennifer. Hmmmmm, not six....... I need more blogger buddies- ha ha! Thanks for tagging my Stacy!

The life of a soccer mom! Ha Ha

My little man Tate loves to play any sport in the world, but is currently playing soccer. I have found it is hard to get the action shots and watch all at the same time........... I am not that coordinated! Ha Ha! I really enjoy watching him and being out in the nice fall mornings. I guess you could say I am a soccer mom, van and all!!!

going for the goal!



Some of his team and coach



Grandma Sheila came over to watch the game on her birthday! It was a great day!

Daddy's little cheerleader!

If you know Troy, then you know that he loves the Steelers! So now, he has his little cheerleader to help him watch the games. Troy thought it was really cute, but I have to admit that I enjoyed the outfit even more than he did! It was so much fun to dress her up, and I took a million pictures( instead of watching the game- oops!). Trin took this last Sunday off, and they lost, so I guess they really need her - ha ha! She will be cheering them on this season...Go Steelers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give me a B-R-O-N-C-S! Go Broncs!

Last week was Homecoming, and my crew was totally into it! They dressed up for Bronc day, went to the parade, and then went to the big game. The way the boys watched the Belle Fourche Broncs football team, you would have thought they were seeing the biggest sports stars in the world. I hope those teenagers realize what they are in the eyes of little boys! Too cute. It was a super fun day!

Going to school


At the parade.


Sporting the hats they made that day at school

A rainy day to cry :(

My husband and I woke up this morning, around 6:30. and soon realized there were a bunch of police cars outside our house. They were there because a car had hit a horse and then crashed into a tree by our house. As I watched the police, I noticed they were all working on the investigation of the accident, but no sign of the person in the accident. It was right outside Trin's window,where I had fallen asleep with her, and I heard nothing. Later this morning, I found out there was no ambulance because he died right away. It is such a terrible feeling that someone was in need that close and I never knew it. I know the Funk family, and it was their only son - so terrible and sad. I can't seem to get it out of my head, because every time I look out my kitchen window, all I see is circles of red spray paint where they marked everything. I look at them and all I can do is cry. It definitely puts things into perspective, and makes you treasure all of life's moments.

Congrats Stacy and Kevin

I am about a week and a half late doing this, but I just wanted to Congratulate my good friend Stacy from High School on her beautiful new baby boy. I am so very happy for them, as it has been a long journey to this wonderful blessing. He could not be any cuter, and I know that they are going to be WONDERFUL parents! Congrats guys! You are so very blessed.

Trip to Pierre

A few weeks ago we decided to go on a Road Trip to Pierre. My dad and Troy were down there already putting in a fence for my dad's business Wilson Fence, ect, so my mom and I loaded everyone up, and hit the road. Not many peoples idea of a vacation would be 5 ( my four and cousin Bill) kids in the car for 3 hours, but we made it work. My dad had planned it all out. and got us a room, so all the kids could swim. For Tyce and Trin it was their first time in a big pool( Tyce has been terrified up to this point). It was a great time!!!

Wow! Take a look at those rolls! The crazy part is that she is slimmer now than a few months ago! Too cute!


The troops ready to go!


Tyce and Trin loved holding on and having me walk them around.

Plum Picking

For the past 3 years or so, we go and pick plums and then make jelly for the year. The boys love doing it, and look forward to it each year. It is definitely a really cool learning experience for kids to go and get something from the earth and then use it. Quite often as they are having a PB & J, they talk about the jelly and how we went and got the fruit, and then made their favorite jelly. I think it will always be one of our family traditions that we do each fall.

















Our little princess in the van staying away from all those yucky bugs-ha ha
Notice the new facial expression - the nose crinkle!

Boys catching frogs (dad included)

Yesterday, while looking at the lake, we noticed there were tons of frogs on the bank. And what are little and big boys bound to do??? Try and catch them of coarse! I have about 4 different videos of all the attempts, but this one they actually caught one and were really excited. We had a hard time getting the boys off the bank, they loved it so much! The saying is true about what little boys are made of! They love getting dirty, and going on an adventure. Tate told his dad, " I am going to remember this day forever!" I think I will too.

First day of school

This year I have two boys in school. Tate is in second grade and Tanner is in kindergarten. I have a feeling it will be a busy year!!! Here we are headed for registration and meeting their teacher.

Tanner going into his classroom for the first time. He was really brave and so was I. After school he told me that he cried after I left, and the teacher calmed him down. I hope next week goes well and he gets adjusted soon.

Tate ready to go on the playground with Jackson. They were ready to go play and see all their friends.

Tanner's 6th Birthday

My sweet Tanner turned six on Wednesday! It is hard when your second oldest starts growing up too!!! Tanner is very sweet and sensitive, but also has quite the imagination. He definatley had a pretty good idea what he wanted to do for his birthday. The first was to go to the new Star Wars animated movie with his two best buds, Tate and his cousin Bill. So we went a few days before his b-day and hit the good ole matine.

Next, was that he wanted breakfast in bed. It sounds like quite the request, but Tanner's love language is actions and time, so it was a no brainer. He was tickled that it was something special just for him, and said thank you a million times. He cracks me up because I am sure he was awake before I got there, but he was as still as he could be and acted like he just woke up. Too cute.

Next for his present, he really wanted a Jedi costume. As soon as he put in on, he and his imagination went wild. Check out the face. He said this is how that guy in Star Wars looks - I guess I would not know, but I will take his word for it!

Last, but not least, his party. It was pretty small this year with just us, and my folks, because we had gone to the movies a few days before. We also kept things simple because the next morning was the first day of kindergarten! Happy Birthday my wonderful boy!!!

My Boys

In my wildest dreams, I wouldn't have thought I would have three wonderful boys! They each are so very special and are all unique in their own way . Lately, having a girl has been a lot of fun, but I wouldn't have wanted to miss all that goes with little boys. Like for instance, them all having to wear daddy shirts in the picture. They each have my heart and are mommy's boys. It took awhile for me to fully see God's plan, but I am so thankful and could not have asked for anything better than 3 boys and a little girl!

Summer recap - July

4th of July!!!!

Back to July, which of course started out with the 4th. That is a busy time here with a lot to do. We took in the carnival, but did not make the parade. The boys always love the carnival, and Tate and Tanner went on the octopus with their Grandpa Jim this year. It is kinda hard to see them on those big rides! I will probably need a tranquilizer when they are old enough to get on the ones that go really fast or upside down. For now, lets just stay with the helicopters! Ha ha

During the fourth we also got the chance to catch up with friends. Brent, Amy, Payton, and the newest addition, and Trin's future hubby ( ha ha), Rylan were down from Fort Collins, CO. They make it up here once and awhile to spend time at Amy's parent's cabin in Lead. We went up to the cabin twice for supper, visiting, and Smores( that was one of the highlights for the boys!) The cabin is absolutely breathtaking, and Amy's folks could not be any nicer. The boys really took to Amy's step-dad, and still talk about how nice he was, and about him taking them on a four-wheeler ride.

I have known Amy for close to 10 years. We worked together at Wal-Mart in the clothing department, and have been close ever since. She was probably one of the very few who didn't think I was crazy for wanting to have kids so soon after getting married. She has a personalilty like I have never seen, cracks me up constantly, and is so super creative. She brought be a 6-pack of root beer for my 21st birthday while I was pregnant with Tate, and a few months later drove Troy to RC Hospital when I went by ambulance with pre-term labor. Every year since is filled with more special memories, and I look forward to being able to travel to them as our children grow.

Amy is a true friend that has only wanted the best for me and has loved me unconditionally. As a person grows up, you realize that those are the types of people you want to surround yourself with. Honestly, it has taken me a day to write this, because what she means to me is hard to put into words.

Boating at Orman

Also, during the 4th, the boys and I went over to Orman Dam to see Matt and Vanessa, friends from high school. They have a boat and always come camping over the 4th each year. It is so nice to go and see them and spend time with them and their sweet kids, Racheal and Jacob. Tate, Tanner, Tyce, and I went out on the boat with them, and Tate and Tanner each took a turn on the tube alone! They were pretty brave, because last year they wanted Matt to ride with them. They are still talking about it. It is so nice of them to do that with us, because it makes memories for my kids that I would not be able to do with them right now.

10 year High School Reunion

In the middle of July, I had my 10 year reunion in Newell. It was really good to catch up with friends, and others that I hadn't seen since we graduated. That is Cindy and Vanessa in the picture. Friends from high school, but still very close friends today. I would say we had about half the class come, which was about 15 people and their spouses. We had a nice dinner and opened up a time capsule we made in high school. I found lots of notes and pictures, and a note I wrote to Troy to open at the reunion. It just said that I hoped we made it, and had made all our dreams some true. Thank God we did! High School was a tough and beautiful time for us. I think we loved each other so much, it scared us at times, and we did not know what to do with it. I am so thankful we both grew up, and became the two people we both saw in each other when we were alone, without other influences.

I have pretty high expectations must of the time, and I have to say that Troy has surpased each one on being a husband and dad. I am so very happy, and still feel like a girl in love even after 9 years and 4 kids. The song on this page "Walking her home", reminds me of us, because Troy would always walk me home after games, ect. We would be out in front of my house and my mom and dad would be turning the porch light on and off ( their sign for me to get in the house!). Those were very special times, and I think even when we are old and wrinkly, I will look into his eyes and it will take me back to those kids in front of the gate.

Summer recap - June

• June was a great month because I watched my baby brother get married to the most wonderful women - Kassi! Their wedding was in Pierre, SD and was the week that we had so much flooding. I think it rained the whole week before their wedding, but on their day, it was perfect weather. Kassi was stunning. She was the definition of a beautiful bride, and her heart is just as beautiful. Josh looked like the happiest man alive, and was so handsome! I was a bridesmaid and Tate was the ring bearer. My Dad was the best man - how special is that! That tells you a lot about my brother and dad. There are not many like them out there! Tate and Josh had matching Tuxes, and Tanner, Tyce, and Bill brought down flowers before the service for all remembered grandparents.

• Tate was in his first year of baseball. He really enjoyed it, and I think he will want to do it again next year. His best friend Jackson was on his team, so that made it extra special. I also got to spend a lot of time visiting with Jackson's mom Jamie. She is an amazing person and I cannot say enough good things about her. She is in the exact season of life I am in, and I am so thankful to have her in my life. I see her as life long friend for sure!