5 Keelers

The Drop Off

2010-03-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

I just returned from dropping Thing 1,2 and 3 off at Camp Grandma’s for a few days. Oh how I love that my in-laws are willing to take my kids for a few days. As I drove home thoughts raced through my mind on how I was going to use the next 72 hours. With each mile my list kept getting longer and longer. I thought of all the projects I could accomplish and the organizing I could do. Oh so here I am blogging….was that on my list? No! But I had to take a moment and list in the next 72 besides my two day packed with clients what am I going to do for me. So here is my list …
1. Get my Hair colored and cut (Tuesday morning)
2. Spend time with Ryan
3. Go to the temple
4. Out to lunch with a friend (who has no idea how much I miss her)
5. Crafting…..I have to do something crafty!
Ok so five things…little things…things I can do to fill up my cup!

Swallowing me up!!!

2010-03-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

So here is goes...I will try again! The days are short no time to write but my friends keep telling me "you should post that"! So here I am cleaning my office/throw all room.(I should be putting away the 25 piles I just made) or even returning the 15 phone calls. But not another moment could go by without asking this question.....Why do I have so much stuff? Bins with ribbions, paper, clips, stamps....come on it is just too much. I do not dare to throw it away! I might need it...maybe someday. And then there is all my primary stuff. Paper, posters, blocks and that big fat Turkey! Will someone help me before I go baserck? Now here is a thought I could burn the house down and then start all over...ummmm!

What? I have a blog!

2009-10-20T06:51:00.001-07:00

So it has been almost 8 months....come on nothing has happened in 8 months to blog about.

Oh wait,there was that little abduction! You know the one that Crazy Lady Nancy Grace reported on for weeks on her show. What? You don't watch HLN? You mean to tell me you are missing out on Joy Behar's new show too...What a crime!

I was abducted by the FB Aliens. They made me update at least twice a day, play Scrabble till 2am and spend hours looking at pictures of my "friends". One even tried to convince me that starting a farm or becoming part of the Mafia would bring me much happiness. I did resist....with the click of a mouse I blocked a tree from being planted, quizzes upon quizzes to take and the most important...many pillow fights! They started to see that I was not going to fall into their trap and they called reinforcements.
My cell phone had lost it will to live or even charge itself. Ryan,my sweet husband (I think he works for them) bought me a new phone. There I was sitting with my new phone only to find in the small left hand corner of the 3 inch screen a little blue F. Hummmmm.....that F was not for the Forbes application or even the Fashion Police. It was them! They found me on my phone! It started all over again. This time was much worse. Now I checked updates every 33 seconds. Alerts flashed constantly on my phone. Ringers that I did not know I had began to alert me of Status changes, posts to my post, posts to my friends posts and even a FB mail alert. Things became very difficult when Ryan accused me of having an affair. The phone with the FB app had replaced the soft warm spot next to me in our bed. It even at one time had it's own pillow. After I promised to change I still found myself sneaking it in our room and tucking it under the sheet on the side of the bed with the ringers turned off. It was the only way I could know if Sally made it home from the club, Jack had a great date with Kristen or how Chantal hated the speaker at church preach about being a good parent-because she was not. (names have been changed to protect the innocent) It was my life line. I knew it was bad when I started to take it to the bathroom with me. Something had to change and it had to happen quickly.......

25 Random Things....

2009-02-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

I keep getting tagged with 16 sweet things or 25 Random things. I finally gave in and came up with a list....

25 Random Things about me.....Corrin Carter Keeler

1. I hate spiders. Little ones, big ones, hairy ones, and even little babies still in the egg sack ones. Sadly I have passed this fear on to my son Carter. I don’t like to kill them either. I am terrified that in my sleep the other 499 siblings will attack me.

2. I have a very talented tongue! Me and Gene Simmons! I can twist it, taco and burrito it, touch my nose, and use it to whistle VERY loud. (which always surprises the person next to me)

3. All three of my children were c-sections but only one was filmed for TV. The birth of Carter was on TLC’s Maternity Ward.

4. My given name is Corrin Carter, just Corrin no middle name. However, on the first day of 1st grade my Dad told the teacher my name was CORKY and they believed him! (it was just a nickname) Some of my cousins still call me Corky.

5. It took me 4 times get my permit, 4 times to get my license and only 8 hours get in my first accident!

6. My hair is about 70% gray. I have to have it colored every 6 weeks.

7. I have dyslexia and had a very difficult time learning to read and I still can't spell. I repeated the 2nd grade because I was so far behind. This was ok because I changed my name back to Corrin so everyone thought I was a new kid. (Corky's sister) Now I love to read and I owe it all to my mother. She made me work just as hard as the other kids. I love her for never giving up on me!

8. I could pass on Chocolate anytime but crusty warm bread…hold me back!

9. I am great at doing laundry….just not the folding and putting away part.

10. My husband diagnosed me with having “Putdown Syndrome”. I put something (not someone) down and move on. I can never find my keys, my purse, or important items. I often have 10 projects going on with little messes everywhere. It drives him crazy! He often follows me around picking up all my messes.

11. I love BR pistachio ice cream, spicy foods, sushi, cinnamon bears and warm crusty bead! (wait…I think I already mentioned that)

12. I live within each of my kids….Carter has my kind heart, Hailey has my feisty spirit, and Charles has my big brown “I didn’t do it” eyes and we found out just recently the ability to cut hair.

13. I have never been a runner….but someday I would like to be.

14. I know little to nothing about music. A little over a year ago they asked me to teach music to the children at church. I still know little to nothing about music but I LOVE faking it. I NEVER want to do anything else.

15. I have a horrible time remembering anything. For years I blamed it on being pregnant. But since I am not having anymore children and my youngest is two I really have no excuse. If it is not written down it most likely will not happen. I have kept a planner for years and would be LOST without it! I have tried all sorts of tricks to help me but I am pretty sure I was wired this way.

16. There is nothing more important to me than my family

17. I was blessed with great parents. My mom is the most righteous, selfless, kind person I know. She is my idol…someday I hope to be half the women and mother she is to me! My Dad taught me the value of hard work, to play hard and to love. He is a great man to whom I was terrified as a teenager but admire and love as an adult.

18. I hate peas. Green small squishy disgusting explosions in your mouth. But I do love raw snap peas! Weird huh?

19. About eight years ago I built a bed. My sister-in-law Jennie and I each made a Picket Fence bed. We made our design and had little help from our husbands. It is now Hailey’s bed. Ever since then I have wanted to have my own workshop, fun expensive tools and the knowledge to know what to do with them. I guess secretly want to be a carpenter.

20. I love garage sales, clearance sales, goodwill and craigslist. I shop with coupons and spend hours cutting them out and planning my grocery trips. I always walk to the back of a store (where the deals are) and work my way to the front. The thrill of a good deal brings me much pleasure.

21. I hate to shop! Did I just say that…what a really meant was I hate to shop with other people. I love to shop ALONE. I can stay as long or as short as I like in one store.

22. My friend Nichole said I had to put this one in…..I lost a car! This guy wanted to buy my car. (well really my Dad’s car) He asked if he could keep it over the weekend. I was young and very stupid. I did not get any ID or other information. Well he kept it…and never returned it. He and the car disappeared. To this day my Dad tells everyone that I lost a car

23. I married my soul mate….he might not be perfect but he is perfect for me. (see #10) He is my missing piece.

24. My favorite flower is a hydrangea.

25. I love taking trash and making a treasure. I love watching my children get excited to see their Dad. I love having someone leave my chair feeling beautiful. I love the smell of rain on hot pavement. I love holding my children in my arms as they fall asleep. I love to hear the sounds of giggles and laughter in the morning. I love laughing so hard I wet my pants. I love having someone hold me when I cry. I love friends that know just when to call and just what to say.

Wrestling with a Walrus!

2009-01-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

Funny Thought for today!

Carter and Aunt Patti were watching a documentary on the Arctic Sea. Carter was very excited to see two very large walrus' "wrestling" with one another. "Aunt Patti, look at how funny they are when they are wrestling." Little did this innocent mind know that they were really getting it on!

Hummm..just a thought!

2009-01-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hailey and I just made some bacon (She LOVES bacon...me not so much) She was a little disappointed that it shrunk so much. I explained by saying it has a ton of fat and when it cooks it shrinks. Then the light bulb went off....Why can't I go to the tanning bed and shrink too? Or do I need something a bit hotter...maybe Mexico?

Hummmm.....just a thought!

The Best Part About Christmas

2008-12-26T22:24:00.000-08:00

Last night on the way home from sledding (or should I say ice gliding) I asked the kids to tell me what they thought was the best part of Christmas. All sorts of thoughts entered my mind. However, it was Carter's sweet words that touched my heart. "Mom, the best part of Christmas was when Daddy held you down and I tickled you." Here was this 7 year old who could of listed his toys, cousins, Santa...the list could go on and on. He picked me...the best part of Christmas was making Mommy almost wet her pants!

Getting some ZZZZZZZZ....

2008-12-24T03:34:00.001-08:00

It is 3am...I am tired...About 30 minitues ago my little boy whispered in my ear "Mom can you get Dad to stop snoring...he keeps waking me up". With one eye opened and the other still sleeping Carter returned to the "1am I want to sleep in your room" bed on the floor. I nudged Ryan and told him Carter can't sleep because he is snoring. "Yeah right" he says as he rolls over only to start snoring again.

2008-12-21T12:32:00.001-08:00

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2008-12-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

Our family has been be held hostage by the snow for a week now! We still have a few more days till we will be able to negotiate a release. The Soldiers have tired to escape many times. This requires 23 layers of clothing, a hat, a scarf, and small army to get all the right fingers in the glove. After spending a 1/2 hour dressing each little brave Soldier, the Captain is tired and ready for a few moments of peace. Out the door they go ready to conquer the snow. The Captain regroups and searches for any caffeinated beverage before she tries to get the house in order, do the laundry and finish the 12 Christmas projects strung around the house. Loud knocks startle the Captain...they are back! The troops have returned cold, wet and in need of a warm beverage. Soon the clothes are peeled off layer by layer, the wet gloves are thrown in all directions as sweet words leave the Soldiers lips. "I hate these boots...it is too cold...I am hungry...Why can't I go to Tess' house?"
The captain uses all restraints to get the Soldiers back in line. Knowing in about 30 min she will have to do it all again.....

The Primary Program I will never forget!

2008-10-19T17:48:00.001-07:00

Once again it is that time of year when the first hour of church is devoted to the Primary. Young voices shout for joy to be sitting up on the stand entertaining their families. However, this year for me was different. I was directing this crazy group! (really there was two of us because of the numbers and thank goodness)
For those of you that really know me...stop laughing! I have been attempting to teach senior primary (age 7-12) since late last December. So today was their time to shine...or like me..fake it! Along with the Junior Primary (age 3-7 ) we packed the choir seats and the first 3 rows.
Before church began I collected all the gum and prayed there would be no crazy disaster. I should have know something was going to happen as I sat quietly enjoy the passing of the Sacrament.
Charles was on my lap chowing down a whole bag a fruit snacks in 2.3 seconds. Not coming up for air should have been a warning sign. However, my brain was not focused on Charles. I was worried about forgetting some words or leading the music wrong (wait-I always lead the music wrong) Charles ended up on my mother's lap gulping down a bottle of milk for the remainder of the Sacrament. When the Sacrament was over I gathered my things and approached the music stand to begin this new adventure.
One song down, two songs down and then it hit me. To my right, out of the corner of my eye a steady stream of a white fell to the floor. As a turned my head I could see our old primary president jump quickly to her right almost landing on her daughter. Then behind her was my sweet husband holding my son tight in his arms trying to prevent another spray of puke from attacking poor Melissa. ("What did you eat for Father's Day" is a must read blog entry if you missed it ) Ryan gets it every time! As Ryan attempts to maneuver around my Mother and my 93 year old Grandma (in a wheelchair blocking the isle) he clinches Charles as a loud burp leads to another explosion.
Did you remember I was leading the music? I didn't! What do I do? Help Ryan get out of the chapel, clean the floor, pretend nothing happened or crawl under the bench? Hummmm...the bench was looking pretty good until Melissa said "keep going we will clean this up" Do you know how difficult it is to stand there while your Mother and other sweet church friends are wiping up puke from YOUR son. Hhhhhhh.
As gross as this all sounds I learned this evening as Ryan ran down the hall to the bathroom a friend followed him to see if he needed any help (and this was a guy) Apparently, he cleaned the hall from the chapel to the bathroom without missing a spot. Some sweet lady was making sure he got everything. (thanks Chris)
Flustered and embarrassed I was able to pull it together and finish the program. It might not have been perfect but it was beautiful! When they sang the final song my legs got a little weak, a lump filled my throat and my heart was filled with Joy. "He is always near me....watching over me"
This past weekend I was able to attend Time out for Women. (thanks Mom for the great birthday present) It was about finding Joy in your life. Ten months ago if you told me I would be leading music to a bunch of kids. I would have laughed. The Lord really knows how to challenge me and this was a challenge. The love and joy I have for these children is undescribable. Not a day goes by that I don't think of how blessed I am to have so many tender souls bring me so much Joy!

PS-
Charles is NOT sick. He has ALWAYS had reflex issue. It is better now that we know is allergic to eggs, oats and maybe now fruit snacks!

Facebook!

2008-09-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

Yah..just as addicting as Blogging!!! Do you know where your friends are?

OK I know....I am the worst blogger!

2008-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ryan has been on me to start blogging again....in fact he did the Blog about Hailey's room. One paint job I will NEVER do again without my Father! My Math skills suck...I took the same Math class for 3 years in High School and in college it was no better. It took me all day to tape ONE wall. Mapping out squares you think would be easy...or at least basic. And then getting all the squares to line up.....nuts! I would tape it only to find the last row off by a couple of inches...it was crazy! In the end it turned out pretty cute. I was proud of myself. Most people would do 500 things if there kids were at Grandma's for 2 days...not me I only do one!

Hailey's Bedroom

2008-09-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Corrin wanted to add some color to Hailey's bedroom while surprising me with the project she started to undertake. So with Hailey at Grandma Kris', Corrin and Kim started in on the project. Here is the beginning of the process.

After several hours and a lot of glasses of water, Corrin came to a point in which she really likes her artistic abilities. Here is the finished product. Hailey loves it as well.

What did you serve Dad on Father's Day?

2008-06-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

On the way to church this morning I realized I was sticking to my seat...hum with a little twisting and turning I found the chewed up sour patch kid attached to my bum. I freaked out...you would too if you realized in about 15 min 500 eyes were going to be focused on your sticky, gooey bum. The primary children were singing today and I would be leading. I am positive the main focus would the 200 children on the stand however this was a disaster to me. (not Ryan) upon arriving at church Ryan, the kids and all Ryan's stuff piled out of the car. While I tried to figure out how I was going to make it to the bathroom with no one stopping me or saying...."holy cow what did you seat on". I parked the car with plans to run to the nearest restroom with a whole box of wipes. About 5 min later the scrubbing and swearing had ceased. It was going to be OK. Thank goodness dark brown does not show red sour patch kids very well. Ryan was right it would be OK. As I walked with confidence to the chapel I thought that I sure needed to apologize to him for freaking out. But Ryan was not in the chapel. Someone was in our row!!! OH no...I am not apologizing now. Where was he? I entered the lobby to find our children running everywhere....well all of them except Charles....he was on the floor tucked in the coat area just in a diaper....What! Ryan was hovering over him as he was kicking and screaming. No sooner then "What happened" left my lips. Ryan turned around and I had NO more questions. He was COVERED in pancakes, strawberries, bacon, syrup, OJ and a little root beer Popsicle. All the fixing's of a Father Day breakfast! Apparently it started in the chapel and Ryan raced out to the lobby! Now my little sticky bum was nothing compared to this priceless return of Father's Day Breakfast!

Calvin Klein's

2008-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Last week I bought Carter some new underwear. Marshall's had a great deal on Calvin Klein's boxer briefs so a picked up a few for Carter. Carter usually just wear the normal boys underwear so I thought he might not like these one to much. I was quite surprised when he said how much he liked them because they were just like Dad's. Hailey expressed that she to wanted underwear like that. I explained that they do not make it for girls. She quickly responded "yes they do mom you have some". Ha Ha!

The next day Carter spent the night at a friends house. I was emptying his backpack and noticed that his extra pair of underwear was missing. Carter explained that his friend really liked them and so he gave him a pair. Because now they can both have underwear like their dad's! Kid's are to cute!

Laundry thing

2008-04-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well it worked for a day...the fold as you go. I tried folding the load before the water had a chance to fill up on the next load. (a suggestion from Afton) it worked! Until Carter needed me, the baby woke up from his nap, and Hailey was freaking out because Sharpay the barbie was missing. I am trying it again today....thank you for all your suggestion!

2008-03-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Dirty socks, pants and oh ya the entire bedding off Hailey's bed. Sweet Carter and precious Hailey slept in the same bed last night and they BOTH wet the bed! Sometime today I will load that BIG black bag full of pee soaked bedding and head to the Laundromat. How appropriate that Hailey choose to read Knuffle Bunny last night before bed.
(if you don't have this book....get it we love it)

By the way I HATE LAUNDRY. There are few things I Hate in life.....spiders, stepping on a slug with no socks on, grumpy people and laundry.
I am great at gathering, washing and even drying but the act of fold and put away....I am horrible. Right now there is a small "Laundry bomb" that exploded in my room.
For those of you that know my clean freak husband...this drives him CRAZY.
I am staring new today!!!! I will try the fold as you go....and put away too.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Spring Break Snow?

2008-03-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

"Mom it is snowing"....This morning after getting Charles dressed I came downstairs to find Carter in a t-shirt and flip-flops playing in the snow (slush) outside. "Mom I need gloves" I was thinking you need boots, a hat and maybe a coat too! For some strange reason I thought it was spring. The winter clothes are packed!!! I guess I will be getting those out of the closet today....quickly we got dressed and went to Grandma's and Pappa's to watch Grannie...the snow has started to melt but the kids still had a fun wet time making slush pies!

Easter Bunny

2008-03-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Easter!!!! The weather on Saturday was beautiful. Kim, Jared and Everett came down from Vancouver and joined us along with Grandma Julie at the Oak Hills Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday we attended Church with Grandma Julie to hear her talk on forgiveness. We all could use a little bit of forgiveness in our life. She did a fabulous job and I am so lucky to have such a wise Mom!

The two boys had a blast! Charles and Everett are 12 days apart and it is a blast watching the two of them grow up so fast! Thank you Aunt Kim for moving back to Portland! (and you too Jared)

Life goes by too fast

2008-03-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

(costumes made by Mom using the plastic table cloths)

Here I am sitting....it seem like I never just sit. Sit and reflect on the day, the week or even the 2 months since my last Blog. So here it is.....
February the month of love....around here it was the month of sickness. One right after another...until one day there was no tissue left, the last drop of Motrin was gripping the bottom of the dropper and I slept more than 5 hours! Life was good!
February 15th little Charles celebrated his 1st birthday. He loved his cake and he such a blessing in our life.
March came in like a lamb (we were all well) and it going to go out like a LION! Our sweet boy is learning to walk, pull everything down, and somehow learned to open a cupboard with child locks.

Carter started to play a baseball. Practice, practice, and more practice. He loves it and so does Dad! He has a great arm and his coaches are amazed at his distance and accuracy. However, the boy can't catch. I say put him in the outfield and no one will ever know....it is t-ball.

Hailey is just as busy as ever. High School Musical is all she talks about. She dreams of visiting her cousins in Utah and taking a tour of East High. I have to wash her HSM PJ's every day so she can wear them at night. I guess it is normal look how I much we loved Xanadu! (Just ask my brother Charles)

Time goes by so fast.....as we drove by all the blooming beautiful tree singing "Popcorn Popping" I thought for a moment that someday they will say "mom...stop singing" but today they joined me in being silly and enjoying life. I love them and I am so lucky to be their mom!!!!

My Prophet

2008-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

About 12 years ago I sat in the choir seats in the Tabernacle surrounded by 180 or so sister missionaries. The hour was early but we were all filled with excitement as a whisper filled the room...He is coming. We rose from our seats and tears filled my eyes. Here I was about to hear the Prophet speak. He rounded the corner and stood before a choir of Missionaries singing "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet". As he stood before me commenting on the hour and who's idea was it to get him out of bed for a 6am meeting, we all laughed as his humor. I don't remember much of what he told us that day but when he bore his testimony it burned a place in my heart. He said, as he looked, each one of us in the eye. "I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, just like you do. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just like you do. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, just like you do. I know I am a Son of our Father in Heaven, just like you know you are a Daughter of our Father in Heaven." Tears poured down my cheeks as I listened to the Prophet and his testimony. At that moment I knew that this Man was not just a Man, He was the mouth peace for the Lord. He was my Prophet.
Tonight as I learned of his passing, I was reminded of this moment in time I shared with him. I wept. Then peace filled my heart as I imagined the embrace of his sweet wife who has been waiting for him. I am sure many were there to welcome him Home. He was a great Man, a remarkable Prophet and he will be missed by me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC0W0ZVI9ak

I found this great link too- Glen Beck from CNN

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/200/5127/

HAIL YAH!

2008-01-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

One day a LONG time ago...in a far away town. There was a little boy and two little girls that longed for snow. You see it never snowed in Hollister. One dark cold day the ground turned white. The little boy and the two little girls shouted for joy...SNOW!!! It was true there was a blanket of white covering the ground. However, it was not snow, it was small white balls of ice we all know as HAIL! Out they went to play before this beautiful site melted away. There on the steps up to their pool was the most amazing 12inch "HAILMAN". Complete with eyes of rocks and twig for a nose. The three children David, Corrin and Kim stood proud of their creation for in 15 min it all melted away. (somewhere there is a picture of this)

Every time it hails I think of this memory. Last week we had a crazy hail storm. I quickly sent the kids out to make a "Hailman". They had a great time while Baby Charles and I watched them get pelted in the head with hard balls from the sky. But to my surprise no "Hailman" was created just bowls of hail to put in the freezer for later. Yum!!!!

Busy sidewalks--Crazy Children--Gray Hair

2007-12-19T22:42:00.000-08:00

A stack of papers sits to my left as I take 5 minutes to write a quick blog....yah right just a quick one. So here is how my holidays are going. Currently, I have a runny nose, my head hurts and a BIG ENORMOUS cold sore on my lip. Maybe caused by stress or maybe I am about to give birth because that is the only time I get them. Since I know I am NOT pregnant...it is stress. Monday evening I started to freak out...sweet Ryan got the brunt of it. Just a few weeks ago I thought I was doing great with all the Christmas stuff. Monday evening i made a list and started to loose it.

Teacher gifts---The kids and I went to the store to pick out a few more things we needed for teacher gifts. (the kids made bracelets...they did it for amount 20min and lost interest. They picked out the beads, started them and well... and I made the bracelets) Carter had a breakdown at Craft Warehouse because he wanted a pair of reading glasses. "Mom look how well I can see. I really need them" Then Hailey decided she needed a pair too. By the time I checked out the whole store was staring me down because I had to screaming kids. Really I wanted to leave all my stuff they at the check stand...right next to the huge box a $5 colorful reading glasses. But I was NOT going back to this store later...I am sure they hung my picture on the crazy wall of people in the backroom. Who can forget a 5 and 4 year old flinging their bodies all over the floor and yelling "I don't like you mom...you are so mean....it is not fair" All things I remember telling my parents- I am getting old.

Christmas Cards---I bought this great template online. Had a great picture of my kids...then I noticed a LARGE shadow of Ryan's hand on Carter's shirt. CRAP! I tried to take more pictures of my kids...they would not corporate. So me and my very little skills of photo shop I was able to take it out and send out an OK card. By the way why is it always I have to do 99% of Christmas? The tree, the decoration, buying, wrapping, cooking, packing, and keeping up with the other crazy normal stuff.

The tree- Little by little the beautiful tree is getting uglier and uglier. Last night from the kitchen I hear a POP and smelled smoke. Instantly I remembered the scene from the movie Christmas Vacation with the cat. Then the baby started to cry. I quickly ran into the other room to find half the tree's lights not working and the extension cord in his mouth. Ryan examined the cord - I examined the baby. We have no idea what happened but the baby was fine and the tree....missing half the lights. Maybe I will get to it around the 6th or when I take it down.

Presents---Why is it you think you are done...and you are not. Tomorrow night I will be braving the crowds and heading to the mall. Hailey asked Santa for a Sleeping Beauty Baby and Target is out....So off the the Disney store. Carter is done...just a few other family members to buy for. I have three more gifts to make and might be working on them till Christmas eve.

Hair- December is always a crazy month for me. Usually I do hair just Tuesday and Thursday. However, this month it has been almost daily. I want to thank all my clients that have put up with all my Crazy Christmas Month. My kids and Ryan have been very wonderful to help me out and my Mom too. I am lucky to have great clients whom I consider great friends.

I am sure this is not the end to my Christmas stress....but who cares if a few more gray hairs appear on my head....that is what color is for!

Keeler Elf

2007-12-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1507757951

CJ or Baby Charles...What do we call this kid?

2007-12-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

I love this kid! Baby Charles is so sweet! He always has a smile on his face!

He is into EVERYTHING! He can now climb the stairs. However, can not climb down.

Seeks out all elecrtial cords and loves to pull whatever is attached on his head.

Loves Carter and Hailey so much. Lights up when they come in the room. He is a Joy in our life. Our world is complete with our little Baby Charles....

Ok so here is my problem...I never call him CJ. The name we thought we would use. He is Baby Charles. I am worried that when he is 12 he will still be Baby Charles....or maybe 60 years from now Grandpa Baby! What am I doing to this Kid!!!

Our Tree Story 2005

2007-12-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Oh the Poor Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree, I thought this year would be different. You started out so straight and green. Little did I know you now would lean. . The day was cold and sun was out. Patti, the kids, Ryan and me went in search for the perfect tree. We got you home and the kids were excited. It took all day you were up and gleaming! We all set back and enjoyed the view. One night is all we had and now you look very sad. Your lights so shinny are now just dark. How was I to know that Hailey could move that chair. With broken balls and non working lights we are all very sad to see such a sight. We had such great dreams when we picked you out. Oh Christmas tree, I know the kids throw their naivety at you. Just today I found the missing sheep in your branches. Thank you for taking care of Hailey’s special bottle. It would have been nice to know last night at two in the morning that your were just holding it under your shirt. Well tomorrow I will try to fix you and help you stand tall. I am really sorry about the pulling and tugging. Carter and Hailey thought your were a new toy and now they will have just a green little tree because that is what you were meant to be.

Christmas is coming way to fast....

2007-12-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it is the 13th already? Our tree went up the day after Thanksgiving. Decorations are slowing being ripped of the walls or the tree by our little crawler. Baby Charles grabs and pulls himself up on everything. Our tree decor is getting higher and higher everyday. The last few weeks I have been crazy. I told my mother-in-law today I can't wait for Christmas....not because I want the presents or all the party's. I want a day off. No running from here to there, no appointments, just a day of family and fun! It seems like every year life gets crazy right about now!
My parents had us over for Thanksgiving this year and I asked my mom if I could give a short presentation. I thought it might bring a little joy to you too......

JOY
Jesus Others You

Have you ever heard that joy stands for “Jesus, Others, Yourself”? According to this formula, by putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last, you will find joy. Christmas is an especially good time to put this formula into practice. But how can you in the midst of all the running and doing that Christmas brings about? Let’s break it down into each category:

Jesus: In the Bible we read that “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Simply put, you can’t find joy without the Savior. If you are seeking joy this Christmas, then a relationship with Jesus is the place to start. In Jeremiah we read, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Your first priority this Christmas should not be to get the perfect Christmas card photo or bake a record amount of cookies. Your first priority should be drawing close to the One whose birth we celebrate. Don’t miss Jesus this year as the residents of Bethlehem did all those years ago. There wasn’t room in the inn. Is there room in your heart?

Others: How can you put other people ahead of yourself? I know for me, it’s more like, when am I not putting others ahead of myself? I have 3 small children, two jobs, and a Husband who need me first. But I am talking about looking outside your immediate family and friends. Reach out to the retail clerks that wait on you. Smile at the grumpy people in your path. Extend a smile, not because they deserve it, but because it is what Christ would want you to do. I am inspired by the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world anxious to bless the whole human race”

You: Putting yourself last means having a place for yourself at all. I think that especially difficult for me. We get so used to serving others; we forget that we have needs. Christ offers love, acceptance and peace. He simply says, “Come.” One of my favorite passages in scripture is found in Matthew 11:28-30 when Jesus offers us rest and a lighter burden. This passage speaks volumes to me in the midst of stress and busyness. I know that the only way I can make it is by drawing close to my Savior and allowing the Holy Ghost to speak to me. Don’t forget that you have a place in the JOY formula!

This Holiday season I hope that you too will find the JOY in Christmas! I gave them all a little star with the word "JOY" on the front.

*this idea was from my friend Lisa Sharp

2007-11-24T15:47:00.001-08:00

Two days ago was Thanksgiving and I'm just getting around to adding a entry to my blog. The last few weeks have been very busy for the Keeler Family. First we had Hailey's Birthday Party on Halloween day. It was the easiest party ever. All the kids came in costume. I made a graint 'pin the face' on the pumpkin. Hailey loved all the attention but was of course a little DIVA. Her Birthday was a few days later (November 5) and I was a little shocked at her 4 year old attitude.
We gave Hailey her presents that morning shortly after breakfast. After opening all her gifts she said to me " Mom, take them all back this is not what I asked for!" I was mortified. What on earth have I created. This was not my sweet little girl. She is a MONSTER! I explained to Hailey sometimes we don't get what we want. However, we should be grateful for what we do get. (OK, I needed to hear that more than her) " Mom, I told you I wanted the Horse from Target and the Baby set, that is it. I did not want the socks, underwear or that barbie." What a little spoiled girl I thought. Grandma Kris/Papa Rick gave her the horse (a few days later) and Grandma Julie/Papa Walt gave her a doll bed. I could have purchased both of these items and had all the glory....but no I wanted the Grandparents be the Hero's. Hopefully someday she will learn the value in song by the Rolling Stones "you can't always get what you want...but if you try sometimes you get what you need"

Little Monkey

2007-11-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

Just a preview of the Halloween blog....We went to Ryan's Parents and Grandparents the weekend before Halloween, Hailey had a Birthday party on Halloween, Trick or Treating and Hailey's birthday! All soon to come....Look for an update on sometime this weekend!

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolfe?

2007-10-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Not our Hailey! She did great getting her teeth
checked out by our dentist -Dr. Ben Wolfe. Thank you also to Jen for cleaning the week of green slime off her teeth. They made her feel so comfortable. Hailey did have an infection and her gums are still really swollen. However, she will NOT be getting silver caps like her Father!!! (see previous blog) Just braces when she is older!

By the way if you need a

FANTASTIC Dentist

Ben is your Guy!

Pucker up!

2007-10-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

My little Hailey wants to be Angelia Jolie...

Last week Hailey tripped while caring in her Dad's bag. Gracefully landing on the edge of the coffee table. From the sound I was sure her teeth were all broken. The thought of Ryan's silver capped teeth he had as a child quickly raced through my mind. I jumped up from feeding the baby and was shocked to see very little blood. But most importantly all of her teeth. She was a little out of sorts for a bit. However, a little bit of Motrin and a wet wash cloth she was ready to go. Hailey slept great and came down the next morning looking a little different. The bruising was gross and my cute little Hailey was a bit distorted. She looked as if she had been beat....really it was not me!!!

Tonight I helped her brush her teeth. She obviously has not been touching them the last few days. Blood rushed out of her mouth as soon as the brush graced her swollen gums. She screamed...I thought...SWEET! She can be a vampire for Halloween. No really, I felt horrible. I should have taken her to the Dentist last week to make sure her teeth were OK. Again, the thought of Ryan's silver capped teeth flashed through my mind.(I have to find this picture and scan it in) I called our Dentist tonight and will be taking her in tomorrow. So keep her in your prayers because she might be flashing a little silver bling on her teeth tomorrow. (Do they still that?)

Charles likes it!

2007-10-19T00:05:00.001-07:00

Baby Charles is 8 months now and growing too fast. He is a very sweet Baby and someday will have revenge on his sister. She drags him around, pulls his legs, and steals his bottles (juice ones...he is still on the Mama) He our last and we are enjoying every moment.

The big Scary TOOTH FAIRY

2007-10-18T23:24:00.001-07:00

Carter had a loose tooth for weeks but it only took one bite of the corn on the cob to rip that tooth out! We called Grandma's and Grandpa's very excited to let them know it finally come out. Mom placed the tooth carefully in a baggie ready for the Tooth Fairy! Days went by and the TF never showed up...ok the TF forgot about the tooth and was a little short on cash...I don't think kids except Paypal.

A few days later, ok a week. Mom was reading to Carter and Hailey and remembered the tooth. It took a while to convince Carter that the tooth should go under his pillow for the TF. Than it happened... Hailey began to cry "Mom don't let the TF come, I am so scarred"....Carter started to cry too. "Please Mom lock all the doors and windows so the TF can't get in". This went on for quite a while. Finally, Mom took the tooth and set in on the book self and convinced Thing 1 and Thing 2 that the TF would not be visiting them.

However, Mom had a plan and one dollar! The TF would write them a letter and let them know the TF is sweet and kind. Unlike the Easter Bunny with his big teeth and rotten eggs.

The next morning we awoke to Carter screaming. "Mom the TF got in our house. He took my tooth but now I have a dollar....Can we go to Target?" Hailey soon started pulling on her teeth, she wanted to go to Target too.

A few days later Carter come home from school missing his other tooth. He explained that he was just sitting there on the mat cris-cross-applesauce and out it came. His Teacher sent it home in a cute little TF envelope but Hailey wanted it and together they ripped open it open. This allowed the small little tooth to glide in the air like a bird. We searched the floor, the couch and even their hair. But tooth number two was gone. And the TF has yet to leave any money. No tooth, no money!!....maybe they forgot. I doubt it!

Here is a copy of the letter to Carter

Good Morning Carter

Last night while you were fast asleep, I quietly entered your room, looked under your pillow and found something. Someone in Portland had told me you had recently and lost a tooth, and they were right! What a fine tooth too. Not too many boys in Portland have such nice teeth. It will surely be one of the best in my collection.

Not all boys and girls get a letter from me. But someone really close to you told me you might enjoy a letter from the real tooth fairy. Hopefully, now you and Hailey will not be afraid of me.

Losing a tooth is a special time for a young person like you Carter. It means you are growing up and soon you will have new adventures in front of you.

Part of growing up means taking good care of your teeth. That means brushing every day and eating the right foods. In appreciation for leaving me such a fine tooth, I have left you a special something too. I hope you have a fairy nice day

Your friend,
TF

(I found this online and changed it up a bit for my kids)

2007-10-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Carter and Hailey

Here goes something!

2007-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ryan has asked me for long time to set up a Blog....in all my spare time. I have a few friends with great blogs I thought I would give it a try! So look forward to hearing some crazy stories, viewing some great pictures and laughing at my motherhood skills.