Talmage's mane is under control

Sweet Talmage has been very blessed with a full head of long, flowing hair...

(This was over a month ago!)

But, it's now time to trim it up so we look mildly presentable at Uncle Cameron's wedding on Saturday.

Notice how it's so long now at this point we can't even stand it up.

The Before Picture

The first cut is made

Clean off the top

And After

And voila, a new man!

He's such a sweet boy, he didn't even make a fuss.

Thanks Aunt Haley!!!

The Great Diagnosis is in

After having babies sick for almost a week, Wednesday was by far Miss Kirtlyn's worst day. After she woke up wheezing and red puffy eyes, and looking beyond miserable, I called the doctor and they were very willing to get my two baby LittleField's in right away.

The nurse weighs the babies, Kirtlyn 16 lbs 13 oz and Talmage 16 lbs 3 oz, and takes us into the exam room, does her initial assessment. Takes notes and politely excuses herself.

Aunt Kirsten and I wait for the doctor with babies coughing and moaning. In comes the doctor, asks questions, exams babies, sits back and says...

"You've heard of RSV? Yes, they both have RSV and little Kirtlyn has both ears infected. Talmage has fluid in his ears, but not infected."

Pause... are you serious? I feel horrible.

We immediately do two albutirol treatments on the girl baby and get prescriptions for albutirol and anti-biotics and instructions on what to watch for in case she has to go to the hospital. As a mother, I feel awful that I can't take away the pains and owie's of sickness.

After a few treatments and anti-biotics, Kirtlyn is looking lots better. Talmage is looking tons better. So it's now just a waiting.

Oh babies, I love you and would take this yucky sickness and carry it for you if I could. I will hold and love you and comfort you and will always be there for you.

Happy Valentine's Day

My Tribute to Sarah McLachlan

There are many things I love:

My husband

My children

My family

Sarah McLachlan

As a lifelong fan, I have listened and loved her music for years but have never had the amazing experience of seeing her live in person, singing my favorite songs.

Well, a few days before Valentine's Day, Wednesday the 9th, to be exact, I received a FedEx delivery addressed to me and what do I find inside, but two magically appearing tickets to Sarah.

What??? Phone, dial, ring ring, "Hello?"

"MATTHEW!!! WHAT DID YOU DO?"

"he he he, surprise!"

The joy and excitement were almost uncontainable. I honestly really couldn't think about it for the next few days because I would be too excited. Myself, being unaware of her concert schedule, was pleasantly surprised by my sweet husband who got us tickets to see her in Salt Lake City, on Valentine's Day! Of all days, she was in Salt Lake that day.

The above photos are courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune.

Here are the photos taken by my lovely camera phone because guess who forgot to pack a camera? Me!!!

The Amazing Kingsbury Hall

How cool is Sarah McLachlan? She brings her own Wi-Fi

Can you see her? She's right there!!!

I did video two songs, Answer and Angel. I couldn't help myself!

They had a table in the lobby that people could write a question for her and twice during the show, she answered questions and was very candid and funny and so sweet. It was such a great way to interact with the audience.

So if you're a fan, here are the songs I can remember she sang, but have definitely missed a few because she sang for 3 hours!!!

Loving You is Easy

Building a Mystery

Sweet Surrender

Good Enough

Fallen

I Will Remember You

Adia

World On Fire

Possession

Forgiveness

Changes

Answer (My personal favorite)

Stupid

Hold On

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Awakenings

Witness

The Path of Thorns

The Encore ended the night with

Angel

Ice Cream

Wow, what a night! Thank you my sweet Valentine for an amazing day I will never forget, and was so happy to share it with you. I love you with all my heart!

The Great Sickness of 2011

(Melodramatic narrative music in background)

February 11, 2011

The winter months have dragged on. I keep looking for an end, the sign of spring and rebirth, but no signs yet. The sicknesses keep getting passed from family to family. We have been pretty lucky to have been passed over a few times, but over these last few days, the sickness has now found us.

We now have three of our precious children inflicted with the great sickness. Coughs, sore throats, congestion, and fatigue, and as a mother, I just want my babies to be healthy. Preston is now five and tries to be strong, but I know he is not feeling well. The babies are seven months and I lose sleep watching over their cribs at night. Talmage seems to have it the worst. I try to keep him medicated, hydrated and soothe him as much as possible. Kirtlyn has the croup and I cringe at the sound the barking cough makes in this little girl.

Let us be hopeful of their recovery and watch diligently for signs of spring and health and good times ahead.

February 12, 2011

Today we woke to a beautiful morning, and sick kids. Today is the day we venture to the Manti Temple to go through for our soon to be sister-in-law Ariana. What a blessing the priesthood is to be able to give our babies blessings before we leave our children in the care of family and friends. We are truly grateful for our families and friends to watch our children while we are away. My thoughts and prayers are with my children as I'm gone, I will be home soon.

What a beautiful temple session. It was a thrill to see the Lord's work being done in such a historic and beautiful building. An experience I shall always remember.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Coughs and fevers kept us up most of the night. Talmage is having a hard time breathing so we have to do our best to keep his nose clear. Kirtlyn has to breath the cool air outside to open her lungs and Preston has to have medication to keep his fever away. Oh how my heart aches for my little ones. I pray and keep watch over them through the night. My sweet honey helps to rock babies to sleep and administer to them.

The air is changing. I feel it in my bones. The sun is providing a much needed warmth and comfort of warmer weather to come. I cannot wait to take my little ones on adventures outside and through the beautiful mountains and valleys we live in. What a beautiful place to enjoy.

Quiet Times and Things To Do

You know when you wake up and have amazing plans for the day? The To-Do list is a mile long with high hopes of completion, and you actually get started off on the right foot... then the kids wake up?

I have to say I feel very accomplished today: three loads of laundry, two bathrooms cleaned, washed sheets and made beds, cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the fam, read scriptures with boys and put all the kids in bed. Here I sit, looking at the To-Do list, and feeling like, if I could get a little more energy I could work out, finish the bills, finish my current novel escape, take a long hot soak in a floral scented bubble bath... or I could go to bed. Hmm... not a hard decision.

My dear Sisters

I woke up today and it was another cold day. I was slow to get ready and get myself moving. By mid-morning snow was falling, boys were getting ready for school and babies were napping. But early in the morning, I got a phone call from a sweet sister-in-law. Running errands I called my darling sister out of state. By afternoon I got a text, which turned into a phone call from my loving sister out of town. A little later I emailed back and forth with my amazing sister-in-law out of town. I texted my awesome sister-in-law for a while and had dinner with my adorable sister. Wow, how lucky am I? I got to talk to all of my sisters today! I don't know if they know it, but I love them all so much. Each one is such an example to me and are my best friends.

Wow, what a great day.

Thanks sisters!

Happy Half Birthday Babies!

I can't believe it's been six months already! I'm amazed at time and the things we try to get done in a day, over a weekend, and in the blink of an eye... months fly by. I can honestly say 2010 is a complete blur, but I am grateful for the blessings me and my little family received. A new home, two healthy babies, additions to extended family, great friends and a few extra pounds to keep me warm during the cold winter.

I know these pictures are small, but I can't believe the transformations.

My sweet, sweet Talmage

My darling Kirtlyn Rose

Oh, how my heart is full.

Mommy loves you babies!!!