FLOODED!

Last night I decided to get the kids an early bath/shower while dinner was finishing up. Capri decided she wanted to be the one to take the shower (since I prefer to have only one in the bath with Hudson). I turned on the shower in my bathroom and let her in. Both Bruin and Capri love to play in the shower, so I usually just leave them in there until I finish bathing Hudson. I moved back into the kids bathroom and got Bruin and Hudson into the bath.


Meanwhile I folded some laundry and checked my emails (the laundry room/computer room are right across the hall, and I can see the bath from there, so please don't send my name to CPS). The kids were enjoying themselves very well, so they were probably in the bath for about 15 minutes or so. I got Hudson out and got him all dressed, then moved back into my bathroom where I noticed quite a bit of water on the floor (yes its carpet right outside the shower- dumb builders!). I asked Capri what had happened and she answered with the typical shoulder shrug. I didn't worry too much about it, I just slapped some towels down and moved onto finish dinner, etc...

I had invited my beautiful sis Joy to join me for dinner, and when she came it I somehow caught a glance at my ceiling, and yes you guessed it- it was wet!!! My upstairs flood was worse than I had thought. I started to panic a bit, but I decided to take the calm route. I called a couple people for advice, and I ultimately decided that I had better pull up the carpet and see how bad it really was. I think I'll let these pictures tell the rest of the story.

2 powerful fans, 2 folding chairs, a shop vac (is that what they are called?), 3 parents, and a lot of towels later I think we have the problem under control. I'm considering calling my Insurance Agent to see if I can make a claim since I had to tear some of the carpet. Who knows, maybe I can get some cash to put toward the tile I have been wanting to get put in?

We finally determined that Capri had covered the drain with a washcloth and overflowed the shower. Moral of the story, don't leave your child in a stand up shower with a washcloth for 15+ minutes or you may have a huge wet mess on your hands!

Go Badgers

Bruin just started playing on a city basketball team... The Badgers. Two of his best friends are on his team (cousins Trent and Trey).

He actually has a pretty good shot, and a good dribbler when nobody is in the way of course :). This is him warming up for the first big game.


The prep talk by "COACH DARIN" before the big game.
I love that they don't even keep score, so the kids think they win no matter what. Besides going out of bounds there really aren't any rules. They do encourage the kids to try to dribble when they are carrying the ball, but that doesn't always happen. Bruin knows where his spot is, and I love that when he gets there he puts his hands up no matter where the ball is at. It is also so cute when he is playing defence. He does the cutest shuffling move ever!

This is a picture of him after the game with his two best teammates and two best coaches. I'm so glad that Kirk and Darin decided to take on the team. They both love basketball, and it is a great opportunity for them to do something special together with their boys.

Help with Organizing

For a long time I have been trying to figure out what to do with Capri's walk in closet. I would love to get a nice built in organizing system, but the first problem is that it would cost way too much! The second problem is that it would not be something we could take with us to another house if we ever decide that it is the right time to move. So, finally I found something that would help with some of the organization problems her room has.

I found it at Lowes. The first time I went to put it together I found a crack in one of the pieces, so back to Lowes I went. I came home with a new box that looked much more intact than the first, so I thought I was good. WRONG!!! I opened the box and noticed that all the hardware was missing. Back to Lowes again!!! Did I mention that this box was like 50lbs+ and I did all the shopping w/o Kirk? This time I ran into a very nice employee in the parking lot who wanted to help me unload my return. When I vented to him that I would love the help because this was my 2nd time back returning it.... and so on. He was awesome and helped me do the whole return w/o removing the item from my van.

So after all the trouble the kids and I had a lovely Saturday night building it. Hudson loved the sound of the screwdriver. No matter where he was at he would run over and stare when I was putting in the screws.

He also had fun using the shelf as an obstacle course.

Here is Capri with the completed project.

One organizing project down... only a million more to go.

Mission Complete....

Well, one part of the mission at least! Tonight I completed my intense 3 week college course. It was quite an interesting 3 weeks. I have to say that my least favorite part was not the studies, but juggling the kids around! Originally I only had 2 days that would conflict with Kirk's work schedule, but he ended up being on call and called in several times throughout the last 2 weeks. Thank you to everyone who helped take great care of my 3 sweeties; or should I say 2 sweeties and 1 terror (won't mention any names), especially in those last minute circumstances!
Driving back from class during traffic time was also one of my least favorite parts. I'm still trying to think where my mindset was when I lived right across the street from the college.
Why didn't I even consider taking a class or two when I was in walking distance, would have had my education paid for by financial aid, and only had one child at home? Now I'm driving about 45 miles round trip and paying way too much per class! I always knew that I wanted to complete my educational goals, so why didn't I just do it? I guess I never thought I would have the desire to go back in the middle of raising 3 young children. I always thought it would be when my kids were all in school. I suppose there is no point beating myself up over it. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity, a supportive husband, and tons of friends and family who are willing to take an extra kid, or two, or all three so that I can pursue my dream and complete my educational goals.
One more class down, only 6 more to go!

(December graduation is what I am hoping for, but I'm not keeping my fingers crossed) I'm already telling Kirk that I want him to throw me a Graduation celebration when I am done. He thinks I'm a little nuts for thinking about that already, but I think it will definitely be worth celebrating and may need some time to plan.

You Will Be Missed...

At least until we meet again in a wonderful place after this life.

My Grandmother passed away peacefully on the 1st of January as she was surrounded by all 4 of her children and her loving husband.

My Grandma will always hold a special place in my heart. She wasn't much for holding in her feelings, which I loved. I like people that are loving, yet straight forward. I think sometimes I take after her in some ways. At times I have a hard time holding in my thoughts, which gets me into trouble sometimes, but at least you always know that I am being honest right? I love my Grandma for that.

My Grandma was always the best gift giver! I always knew that something wonderful would come out of her beautifully wrapped christmas boxes. I remember one Christmas she gave me the most beautiful sunday dress. It was black on top then had a flowing flirty skirt with a bold purple flowery pattern. I think I may have worn that dress every sunday for an entire year. I remember my mom finally telling me it was too short to wear anymore and I was pretty disappointed. My Grandma always remembered my birthday as well-and even though it was only days after our Christmas visit she would always send a card and wish me a happy birthday.

My Grandma loved all of her grandchildren dearly as anyone can tell as they enter the front door of her home. Pictures adorn all walls, bookshelves, and anywhere else she could put a photo. I think her hairdresser, beautician, and housecleaner knew all of our names and knew everything about us as well. She was a proud Grandmother, and that always made me feel special.

You will be missed Grandma. I will be forever grateful for you accepting the gospel into your life, for now my family will be blessed for eternity.

Hokey Pokemon

Bruin chose to celebrate his birthday this year with a "Pokemon" sleepover with all of his Salmon boy cousins, 5 in all. I don't know when this Pokemon obsession began, but Bruin's got it bad! All the boys were asked to bring their Pokemon folders (yes, they all have them).

We had some games and the winner would have first choice at a new card. I felt bad couple times because the boys got more serious about winning then I thought they would. The best example would be the "simon says" game. Kirk told the last two, "simon says give yourself a wedgie" (Yes, I know this is awful!) One of the boys was quick to react and hiked his pants up as high as he could. He was declared the winner (by Kirk of course) while the other started crying saying it wasn't fair because he didn't know what a wedgie was. It was hilarious and sad all at the same time. Don't worry, I stepped in a made sure both of them were happy with the card they got, and all was well.

Next the boys watched a Pokemon movie we had rented. I think they watched it twice that night, and again in the morning. I don't even understand why they like this stuff- guess I'm older than I realize.


We sang Happy Birthday to Bruin in the morning and stuck the candle in his french toast. Glad Kirk and I made it through that night with our sanity. It's getting much easier to have these parties as the kids are getting older. I'm glad Bruin was able to have a memorable party with all of his "best friends."

Bruin and I definitely have a special connection, maybe its because we get to celebrate together every year. He is a sweet boy, and I'm praying that he stays that way as long as possible. He is a wonderful big brother to Capri and Hudson, and a great helper to mommy. He is also extremely smart, and knows it. He has learned so much this year in kindergarten. I am impressed by things he does almost everyday.

Bruin, remember that your mommy and daddy love you. Also remember that your Heavenly Father loves you and he wants you to communicate with him through prayer as often as you can. I know that you will be a great man to a lucky woman someday.

Love your MOM

Family Pictures 2008

Can you count how many grandchildren there are so far? Let me note that 2 of the Salmon children aren't even married yet, and I have yet to hear any of the families say that their last child has arrived. Here are some of my favorite shots of our family. Our stubborn little busy boy-there is no point trying to get

him to look at the camera when he doesn't want to.

This is almost identical to our engagement photo.
Obviously the beginning of the shoot with those big smiles. The one below is at the end of the shoot- can you tell by the faces of my children? Still a cute shot though.

It was quite an event to get the large Salmon family together- including 2 grandparents, 10 adult children, and 12 grandchildren (I think those are the numbers).

Thank you Chelsey for doing your best to get some great shots of our enormous family.