The DeWyze Family

Kanon's 1st Birthday

2009-06-23T16:10:00.002-06:00

We got the chance to finally celebrate one of our kid's birthdays with my side of the family this year. Kanon's 1st Birthday. We had family and friends over to my parents house to swim, have cake and ice cream and open presents. It turned out quite nice. Everyone, even Kanon, enjoyed his Winnie the Pooh cake that I made for him. Thanks to all of those that made it. We love and appreciate you all.

Leon's Birthday

2009-06-23T16:01:00.002-06:00

Leon turned 4 on May 20th. You would never have guessed that he wanted a Spiderman cake. Well, I was hoping that I could make a Spiderman cake at least to his standards that he would be happy. I believe that it turned out rather well. He had a great day and had his Papa Jim, Grandma Bev, Papa Kevin and Grandma Dianne over to celebrate it with him. He was so excited about his cake and thought it was pretty cool.

Robert and Karalee's Birthday

2009-04-29T00:12:00.003-06:00

Robert is 33 (3+3)= 6 and that is how old Karalee is!! Cool huh!

Now since Robert and Karalee do share the same birthday and Robert is not to fond of celebrating his it has ususally become the day that we celebrate Karalee's Birthday. We all love Robert and he actually wished for a chocolate cake, I told him that the Barbie's head has chocolate frosting so he could eat that. Hey, at least he got to pick the flavor of the ice cream- chocolate.

It was a fun day. Karalee got to invite 2 friends over to play all day and have a tea party for lunch. I was ready for a more relaxed birthday then she has had in the past.

Our Recent Trial

2009-04-29T00:00:00.002-06:00

As many of you know our School District in Delta is undergoing a lot of changes from cutting their budget to a decline in enrollment. Well, Robert's mom got a chance to take a severance package that the district was offering for teachers that were close to retiring. We were all very happy to know that she could retire a year earlier and take this package-- Happy Retirement Bev!! The district had 21 people retire. Which gave everyone the impression that they would not have to lay anyone off. Just recently they decided to combine the two elementary schools into one. Everything seems to just be a mess. Here it comes---- Robert found out on April 21st that he will not be rehired for the 2009-2010 school year. He called me after he got out of the Principal's office and at first I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. I began to just sob and sob. I literally was falling apart. I had so many emotions run through out my body. Well all in all even though last week was the pits (understatement) we are doing quite well. We have our hopes up and trying to be patient in all that we do. We are waiting to see what doors open up and also what our Heavenly Father wants us to do. We are for sure blessed because through the district you can opt to be paid for the 9 months that you work or spread it out into 12-- we opted for the 12. We will be alright until the end of August. We feel that if we give it time the right opprtunities may arise and we will overcome this trial if we stand together as a family. Thanks to all of those who have had us in their prayers and all those who have helped and that will helps us find Robert a new career. We love you and we will keep you posted.

Ward Easter Party

2009-04-28T23:56:00.002-06:00

This was a lot of fun since I hadn't been rollerskating since Junior High. We all had a lot of fun and my kids got to try something new.

Easter Eggs and All Smiles

2009-04-28T23:51:00.003-06:00

My kids had a ton of fun coloring Easter eggs and they really got into the spirit.

The last picture is of our very cool spider web Easter egg after we took the shell off. Leon thought this was so cool since he is really into Spiderman.

Kanon 9 months old

2009-04-03T09:55:00.004-06:00

I took Kanon to his doctors appointment and he weighs 21.2 lbs and is 28 1/4 inches long. He was doing really well until Dr. Shamo came in and he started to get really upset. He started grabbing and clinging onto me. Dr. Shamo said that is what he likes to see at this age and it's called stranger anxiety. It occurs mostly when they see another male because the only other males they are used to are their fathers and grandpa's. Dr. Shamo said he was the picture of perfect health and that he looks like he is doing well.

He is so cute and his personality is expanding, we all really enjoy him and his happiness.

This picture is what Karalee calls his Chinese Hat (they are just small cones you use in soccer).

Mud Fight

2009-04-03T09:52:00.004-06:00

On Saturday March 27th it was such a beautiful Spring Day. Well, Karalee and Leon wanted to bring in the Spring with a fun and exciting mud fight. They had a blast and it was so great for their skin.

Activity Day at the Spa

2009-04-03T09:39:00.003-06:00

If most of you didn't know I am the Activity Day Leader for the 8-9 year olds in our ward. I have truly loved this calling and all the girls have such sweet spirits.
On this particular Activity Day we had a lesson on "Our Bodies are Temples". I really wanted to get their attention and this is how I did it.
First, I had baked this cake and decorated it pretty. Then I asked the girls if they would like a piece and they said yes. So I took my hand and dug out a piece of this cake and slopped it down on a plate. The girls faces were priceless and then they decided they didn't want it. This was to show that the gospel is more attractive depending on how it is served. Then I sliced a nice piece of cake to show the contrast and let the girls have a piece of cake asking how they would like it served. I told them that it matters how we dress, what we do, what we say, and how honest we are because we are serving up the church at all times, even when we don't think we are. I believe this was very affective and they seemed to enjoy it.
I had a couple of moms come and help with that day. The girls had foot baths, facials, mani's and pedi's. I then gave them Beauty Bags with some fun stuff for them to take home and use.
I had a ton of fun planning it and it turned out to be a great Activity Day that I believe the girls will remember.

Parent Teacher Conference

2009-04-03T09:34:00.003-06:00

I was so proud of Karalee at Parent Teacher Conference. She got all Honors and seems to be really loved by her teacher, Mrs. Schena. Her teacher told me that she is one of the most well behaved kids in the class. Apparently she likes to remind her teacher of everything; for example if it was someone's birthday and the parent brought a treat for the class and there was a kid not there to eat their treat they would save it for them and then the next day Karalee would ask if Mrs. Schena gave so and so their treat. She also likes to help the teacher get her supplies out for the lesson or activity that they will be doing. I am so glad to hear that she is so thoughtful of others and that she is doing so great.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T08:11:00.007-06:00

Hope everyone is wearing green. Today is my dad's birthday-- so Happy Birthday Dad!!! It is also my friend Karen P. birthday-- Happy Birthday to you too!!
Again I had a lot of fun doing Karalee's hair this morning and of course it was, if you can tell a shamrock. It wasn't going together like I wanted it to, but in the end it turned out. Even though she was a little miserable this morning from her allergies she still loved it.
Hope you love it too!!
This is my favorite hair so for St. Pati's Day take a look and see how to do it.
St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Hair Do!

The Wonderful Things in Life

2009-03-17T08:05:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures of my kids enjoying a couple of great and wonderful things that we sometimes take for granted in this world. Taking baths and watching the snow from our front window. How wonderful it would be to be a kid right now and not have a care in the world.

Paying it Forward

2009-03-16T08:07:00.001-06:00

Payin' it forward...

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch though...Post this same thing on your own blog and then come back and leave a comment telling me you're in. Fun, huh?

Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift!

My cousin Sera is doing this and I thought it sounded like fun and I am totally up to it. Hurry and post something!!

Tagged letter K

2009-03-09T08:14:00.004-06:00

So my friend Melissa Thatcher tagged me the letter K. She must know I can come up with lots of things that start with a letter K. So here are the things I love with that letter K.

1. Kirsten- me (I can love myself right??)
2. Karalee- my daughter
3. Kanon- my son
4. Krishelle- my sister
5. Kylle- my brother
6. Kevin- my dad
7. Kids
8. Kisses
9. Kitchen- when it's clean
10. Knowledge

Alright the last three were a little hard, but hey I did it.

I tag:

Jamie A.- S
Melissa S.- W
Sera- L
Krishelle- B

Have fun girls!!

Smell of Grandma Dianne

2009-03-05T08:37:00.002-07:00

When I was in Las Vegas my mom gave me some of her shirts and pajama pants that she didn't want anymore. Well, on Monday morning while I getting Karalee ready for school Karalee said she could smell Grandma Dianne. I told her that I was wearing one of her shirts and that I thought it was pretty cute and neat that she knows her Grandma Dianne's smell. Ever since she was a baby and my mom came to help me when I had her they both seem to have a very special bond. I am so happy that she has that bond with my mom because so do I.

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-03T14:20:00.002-07:00

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh how Karalee would love this skirt!!!

Snow Goose Festival in my Own Backyard?!!

2009-02-22T23:17:00.003-07:00

I think I had the best seat in the house. These are pictures of the snow geese in the field just behind my house. And this was before I had a flock of around 75 more fly over my house and land by them. Pretty awesome, huh?!

Smart Leon

2009-02-22T23:03:00.004-07:00

On Thursday February 19th I set Karalee and Leon down to color while I had a shower. Well, when I came out Leon had on his paper Kanon's name. I automatically thought that Karalee wrote it for him because it just well looked so dang good. Both of the kids said that it was him, Leon who wrote it. Robert and I were so impressed. We have been noticing a lot of wonderful things Leon has been doing. For example, we have a hook in our kitchen that we hang a calendar and Robert's work keys on it and Leon told me the other day that when he lays down it looks like the letter L the same one that's in his name. I knew he was smart, but he is impressing Robert and I everyday.

The picture is definitely proof that I am not just boasting about my son, but that he is so smart for just being 3 1/2.

Karalee's Valentine's Day Hair Do

2009-02-13T08:10:00.003-07:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
I was so excited for Valentine's Day so I could do this cute hair do for Karalee that I saw on one of the sites I like. I think it turned out way cute and she absolutely just loved it. Robert thought it looked pretty awesome too.

Teething

2009-02-13T08:03:00.004-07:00

Kanon has been teething for a few months and he finally cut his first tooth on February 11th. He was so fussy because of a little cold he has and then cutting that tooth in as well. He finally did it though and now I believe he is trying to get the other one in as well. I am sure he'll be happy once it finally comes in. Also he is rolling all over the place and doing his little push ups---watch out mom he'll be crawling soon.

Oh, he just got the other one in right by it!

Teaching

2009-02-09T10:54:00.003-07:00

For those who know my husband is one of the Sunday School teachers for the adults. Well, this past Sunday was his turn to teach, but he was going to Vegas to pick up some derby cars. He intended on being back Saturday night so he could do the lesson on Sunday. He also said he would take Leon with him and they would stay with my parents. Well, I was thinking that would make for a long trip and a lot of driving for one day. I volunteered to do his lesson for him. Now keep in mind I have never in my life taught an adult class before. So I looked in his manual and the topic was 'How to receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost', alright I think I could do this because I have had quite a lot of revelations from the Holy Ghost throughout my life. Any how I was so prepared when I went to church and wasn't nervous until I saw everyone's face. I think I did an alright job, even though I did stumble a little. I had a lot of class participation and I used the time wisely. I hope everyone in the class wasn't bored. Right now I am not sure if I would sub again it was a little nerve racking, but it is true that the teacher does learn a lot from their own lessons. I was happy I taught it and that I could help my hubby out.

25 Random Things about Me

2009-02-03T23:15:00.003-07:00

Thanks to everyone that tagged me and I enjoyed reading yours.

1. I am obsessive like my mom about cleaning.
2. I love toasted tomato, cheese and mustard sandwiches.
3. Some people are surprised when I tell them that I have a temper.
4. My new obsession is making skirts and dresses for Karalee out of my old shirts.
5. I love my kids cute personalities.
6. My husbands pet peeves have become mine--People who chew loud.
7. I love Delta and hope to never have to leave. It is so quiet here and there are a ton of stars.
8. I want to be a Dental Hygienist.
9. The first thing I notice about people are their teeth. See above.
10. I am obsessed with teeth. See above.
11. I do not have any fillings in my teeth. See above.
12. I want my family to be stronger in the LDS Church.
13. I would like to attend the temple more.
14. I love to swim and wish that I could do it everyday.
15. I love horses and have wanted to learn how to ride one since I was little.
16. I have been biting my nails since I can remember and wish I could be done with it-- It's a nervous habit.
17. I wish I could erase somethings in my past, but not start over.
18. I want to lose 30 pounds.
19. I love ice cream.
20. I hate folding socks.
21. I have started to become more of a computer whiz. My husbands laptop had a bad virus on it and I fixed it. He was going to take it to the Geek Squad, so I saved us $200.
22. I hope I never have to dye my hair.like my sister has too from going gray.
23. I love where I am in my life.
24. I enjoy the unconditional love that my children give to me.
25. I love Facebook, Blogspot, internet etc for helping me keep in touch with my friends and family.

Hope that's not too much info that you didn't want to know about me.

I tag Dana, Tana, Karen, Jamie A. and everyone else that wants to participate.

Schools Hawaii Day

2009-02-03T14:54:00.003-07:00

This is Karalee on Hawaii Day. Since Mom has been in a crafty mood, Karalee and I made her hula skirt, flower barrette and lei. We had a lot of fun making it even though she said he skirt kept shedding throughout the day.

A Patty Cake, A Patty Cake

2009-02-03T14:48:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to show you how cute Kanon is and that he loves playing patty cake.

Kanon....

2009-01-29T08:10:00.002-07:00

Kanon has been doing a lot of fun things these past couple of weeks. First of all he can sit up by himself with no support (sometimes he'll fall over, but that's just a given). Next he loves to roll everywhere especially under the coffee table and he was even trying to pull himself up on it. And last night he started to clap and he kept doing all night. He loves to play patty cake. He is so cute and can't believe he will be 8 months in February. Time sure does go by faster with your 3rd child. I guess I will just have to try and soak it all in.

Bake Me A Cake

2009-01-20T20:34:00.003-07:00

Hey, to all my local friends out there. I just thought I would let you know that if you need a cake for any birthday party let me know because I do cakes. Novelty cakes and even wedding cakes. Just let me know 2weeks before hand and I can let you know what I will charge for it. I love to do them. If you are interested just give me a buzz.

The Funny Things Kids Do

2009-01-20T08:21:00.007-07:00

Robert and I just realized last night that our kids have done some pretty funny things and they seem to be getting funnier. Robert then asked me if I have been writing anything down and it dawned on me that I hadn't. I always thought I would remember the things my children would do. We remember that when Karalee started walking that she loved to dance and when she danced she would stick out her elbows like you would for the chicken dance and move to the beat of the music. Another thing she would tdo is crawl around on the floor and find our German Shepherd Neusilber and cuddle with him. She loved that dog and her loved her and the attention she would give him. Right now she just asks these questions that I end up sending her to her dad to answer since he is a Biology Teacher. For example "What is your skin made out of?", or "What's makes us walk?" Now Leon is just funny. The other day Robert, Karalee and I were in the dining room and here comes around the corner from the kitchen is a monkey puppet and Leon made it say "Hi, Daddy. How are you doing?" Keep in mind we could only see the puppet. All of us just started laughing and thought he was being such a character. Another thing he has done is he would turn his head and say "BOO" turn back around and say "Uh, did you hear that?" Like I said before he keeps us laughing. He is so expressive. Kanon is just a happy fellow and when he looks at you he crinkles his nose and squints his eyes and smiles. He is such a loving and easily loved baby.

You will probably see more posts about the funny things our kids do because I feel I need to remember them more so I can tell them these funny stories. They make me smile and love them more and more.

Belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2009-01-11T16:09:00.003-07:00

As many of you we have been extremely busy this past month especially with all the holiday fun and the adventure to the hospital. With that being my excuse I did not get any holiday cards out this past year.

Things have been great this past year even though we have had some difficult times, but who doesn't. For example a year ago we almost lost Kanon(6 months), but I was still able to carry him full term and blessed that he was born healthy and definately happy. He is such a good natured baby. He loves his brother and sister and just loves it when his daddy is home. He enjoys it when Robert plays Guitar Hero and dances to the beat. He smiles all the time and loves to laugh.

Now as for Karalee (5 1/2) she started Kindergarten this year and even though it took some adjustment she is doing awesome. She loves her teacher, loves to do activities and actually has started to read. She has excelled at everything that Kindergarten has offered her. Her daddy and I are very impressed and excited that she is doing well and that she is loving school so much. She has helped me out a lot with Kanon and loves being a little mommy. She loves to read to Kanon and we have caught her in the act of changing Kanon's diapers. She is definately mommy's little helper.

Leon (3 1/2) has been such a great big brother. He just can't seem to get enough of his brother. He wants to touch him all the time. Right now he cannot wait until Kanon can run around with him. As for mom I believe that when that day comes I will get nothing done around the house. I am excited for Leon to have someone to play with and to keep up with his energetic personality. He is such a funny little boy. His tends to be very expressive with his eyebrows and eyes and because of that his dad and I think he will be a big flirt when he grows up. He keeps the laughter in our family.

Robert and I feel extremely blessed to have three wonderful children. We can't imagine our lives without them in it. We have a lot to be thankful for and we owe it to our Father in Heaven.

May you all feel blessed in your lives as we have in ours. Have a wonderful New Year!!!!

What, a Stroke at 30???

2008-12-15T08:03:00.004-07:00

Alright, so it wasn't a stroke thank goodness. Here's my story. I woke up Tuesday December 9th all pepped up to get Karalee ready for school and then get to my exercise class at 9:30. I felt great knowing that I was going to be burning some major calories with this awesome workout. During my workout I kept drinking water and taking little breaks as I saw that I needed, no problem right? Well, I got home nursed Kanon and put him down for a nap. Then I had a shower and after that, that is when I started feeling quite cruddy. Tired, actually exhausted I had an instant headache and decided I needed more to eat besides what I had for breakfast, went in the kitchen and just started to feel very confused, dazed and couldn't get anything to eat besides pretzels. I then went back in the family room where Leon noticed that I had pretzels and then wanted some himself. I started to feel like I couldn't function. I then tried to explain to Leon to get a little chair and take it into the kitchen and get some pretzels off the counter, except I was thinking that and I couldn't speak it. I then started to feel very frustrated and scared. I started to cry and Leon came in and asked why I was crying. What I believe came out was "there's something wrong." My first instinct was to call my friend Karen P. I saw her number on my speed dial and called it and this is what I found out I actually said to her "Karen......grumble, grumble......something's wrong" She said "Kirsten, Kirsten are you okay, I'll be right over." And that she did. She came in and I tried to talk to her, but only somethings came out. She then tried to call the doctors office (no answer), call her sister at the hospital (no answer) and then her husband the cop and he told her to take me to the hospital. She called our neighbor Myrt and told her that Kirsten is experiencing some stroke like symptoms and I needed to be taken to the hospital and asked if she could take Leon and her little girl. We went to the hospital and Robert showed up shortly after I did. They layed me down and then I started to feel numb on my right side. They tried to ask me questions and only some words would come out. I was so scared and confused, I thought I was having a stroke and thought I would not fully recover from it. I thought what would I do, my family do? The numbness the moved to my left side, head to toe. Well, since Delta's Catscan machine was broken they had to rush me up to Utah Valley Regional Hospital in an ambulance. Robert, followed not to far behind. With feeling confused and in pain in the ambulance and between throwing up all I could think of was about my family and how hard this would be for them if I didn't recover. Especially, for Kanon whom I was still nursing and knew that he would struggle taking a bottle. So when I got to the hospital they had 2 neurologists there waiting for me and a nurse over the Stroke Unit. They asked me all these questions and at that time I couldn't give the proper month that Kanon was born, my birthdate and they asked me to say 55 and I couldn't. I was so frustrated again, but I could also tell that I was getting a little better. They decided that I needed to have a catscan, MRI and an echocardiogram to be diagnosed with a stroke. The other possibility would be that it was a Complicated Migraine. My symptoms were so extreme at that time, so they were leaning more towards a Stroke. The numbness went away late that night. After staying overnight and getting the results back from the Catscan and the MRI the neurologists concluded that it was a Complicated Migraine. Both my neurologist told me that they wouldn't have recognized me if it wasn't for my name on my chart because when I came into the hospital the pain and distress that my body was in made me look like an entirely different person. My heart has no holes and my brain was okay. I was so thankful and felt so blessed that I was going to be alright. No medications and the doctors told me that I would probably feel fatigued for about a week. Right now I still have a dull headache that comes and goes throughout the day and I also can tell that it had some affects to my thought process because I could not come up with the word female grandchild-- granddaughter for about 3 days. I know that I will be making a full recovery and that I need to watch for the signs and take care of my headached asap. I now know after experiencing migraines as a child that they could get worse that just have halucinations and being sensitive to light.

I would like to thank Karen for quick active knowledge in my situation and I was blessed to have called her that day. Also to my mother in law for being there for our children especially for Kanon who struggled to take the bottle. For my wonderful husband that was there by my side with his love and support. For all the members in my ward and my parents ward for their prayers and help. Also to all the friends and family that prayed for my recovery. I love you all and thanks for everything. Thanks to my mom and dad for coming and taking care of my family and home while I rested.

My children survived and 24 hours after my Catscan I was able to nurse Kanon. He was so happy. This has made me realize how much I love my children and also that I don't want to take anything for granted. I want to live my life to the fullest. Thank you Heavenly Father for the life you have given me.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things

2008-12-08T08:27:00.003-07:00

My goodness, how long has it been since I last posted a blog??? Ever since we got home from Las Vegas a week ago we have been trying to get back into our routine. I am sure all of you know how that goes, especially having children and getting them readjusted to their lives. Kanon did so great though. He slept really well in Vegas and when he came home he got back into his schedule. I believe all of my children have been able to adjust to change really well. Karalee did need the extra long Thanksgiving break though from school. I wouldn't say that school stresses her out, but maybe that she needed some time to catch up on some sleep and to be able to have some days that weren't quite structured. She loves school though and has been so happy in the mornings and tired in the afternoons. Leon still loves his little bro and also loves our new Wii game Mario Cart. I try hard not to let him think he can play that all day, but if I do let him play longer than he should he tends to be really cranky. I don't blame him though because if I play to long I get cranky too.

When I get a good chance I will add some pictures and commentary on our Thanksgiving vacation. And also some pictures of our new LED Light Christmas tree (my first fake tree the only thing I purchased in Vegas on black Friday) and decorations.

Those of you who read my blog could you please leave your address so I can get Christmas cards out when I get them ready. Thanks.

Dry Heaving

2008-11-17T08:03:00.004-07:00

So Sunday after church Robert and I were preparing our Sunday dinner bbq when he decided he wanted to catch 1 of the 5 kittens we have on our enclosed porch. Now the cat that he wanted to catch is quite scared and mean. The mother cat, which is our neighbors, is so mean that she hisses at us all of the time and even at our big german shepherd- we don't like her very much. Anyhow while I was in the kitchen I can see Robert out there trying to catch this little thing and I was just cracking up. Well, he ends up putting on a pair of gloves and catches the kitten. Oh how this kitten was sooooooo mad at him. Just imagine a kitten with it's claws out, ears down and looking extremely p o'ed. This kitten ended up clawing Robert's hand through the gloves and when he was letting it go it pooped all over Robert. Now for those who know my husband he is a biology teacher, but cannot handle poop of any sorts. So he was out there dry heaving about ready to throw up. And what was I doing?? Cracking up and realizing that I have such a stronger stomach than he does. It was too funny and all in all between his dry heaving he was laughing too.

Now this picture is not the mean kitty. I couldn't get a picture of her/him, but was able to get a picture of the really nice one.

Who says 30 is old??

2008-11-09T23:00:00.005-07:00

So with my 30th birthday coming tomorrow I have already started to reflect on my life and it's accomplishments. I remember being in high school and thinking that some of my teachers were old because they were thirty. Well, I'll be thirty and I still feel like I just graduated not too long ago. Besides the few minor aches and pains of being a mother and getting older I still feel well how do I explain, like me. Does that make any sense I ask? I think so. Even though I am a mother of three and I am on the go constantly, I feel if I didn't have my children and my great husband I would be lost. Kind of like my life would be pointless. One things for sure Robert and I would be bored. Robert and I have been married for 10 years and that has gone by so quickly it makes me wonder if the next 10 will go by even faster, since it seems like the older you get time flies by faster. Let's think Karalee will be 15 1/2 (almost time for driving and dating ahhhhh!!), Leon will be 13 1/2 (boys and puberty I don't know) and Kanon will be almost 10 1/2 (following not too far from Leon). Wow, teenagers I don't know about that.

Alright, so I will think about what Pres. Monson said and live in the moment. I want to strive and enjoy and be like my children, where they just love being kids and don't have a care in the world. Do things with them that they will really remember like reading with them, outings that don't have to cost an arm and a leg, drop doing housework when they want to play a game or want to cuddle. Just simple things like that will help me feel like I have made a difference and have helped accomplish a lot in their beautiful lives.

I am a mother, homemaker, teacher, nurturer, secretary, accountant, seamstress, launderer, well you get the point this list could go on and on when you are a mother and wife.

Well, I will be embracing my 30's because my 20's were full of changes,learning experiences and wonderful things and I believe my 30's will be bringing me more.

My heart is so full and I truly feel blessed to have the life that I have. I love you all that have helped me throughout my 30 years and that have filled my heart with such love and gratitude.

Happy 30th Birthday, Kirsten!!!!

Thanks, Mom and Dad for the beautiful flowers!!

Tagged: I am the luckiest woman alive

2008-11-07T08:00:00.005-07:00

Thanks Melissa T. for tagging me because it has really made me focus and think of all the great wonderful things my husband has done for me, therefore making me the luckiest woman alive.

I am the luckiest woman alive:
Reason #1: My husband is very hard working he is the type that needs to be doing something productive and if it is not it is a waste of time. He is very determined at striving to be the best and he encourages me to do the same.

Reason #2: When I was in the hospital after having all of our children c-section he attends to the baby in the nursery, taking pictures and being there for them when I am getting put back together. That has always been a comfort to me because unlike a normal delivery I cannot bond and hold them right away.

Reason #3: Even though he may not express his feelings much it's always the moments I catch his expression on his face when he is looking at me or the kids that truly shows me how much he loves and cares for us. His faces brightens and he does get a twinkle in his eyes. I love that and I love him forever.

I believe that if you are truly strive to have a happy marriage and are truly happy you are the luckiest woman alive because not everyone gets the opportunity to love.

I tag Karen P. , Sera and Melissa S.

Election

2008-11-05T09:48:00.006-07:00

I don't know about everyone else, but I am so happy that November 4th has come and gone. I am happy to say that I am looking forward to some definate changes in our country. I also believe President Obama has and will set a new tone and inspiration to our country as well. He is a great speaker and as I told Robert last night I believe he is a very determined man to want to start making things better for all the US citizens. For all of you that are worried about him being President, don't be I believe he knows he has a lot to live up to as the first African American President and from the large amount of people he knew voted for him and supported him as well. Please look forward to seeing our country change in a positive way. It is a very historical moment and one that we will be able to talk to our children and grandchildren about.

My Cute Kids and Halloween

2008-11-01T09:38:00.004-06:00

Karalee's Kindergarten Halloween Party

2008-11-01T09:26:00.005-06:00

I was so excited that I got to help with Karalee's Halloween party. They got to have a treasure hunt, dance and play a ghost game. It was a success and the kids all seemed to enjoy themselves. They also had root beer on dry ice and apple slices with caramel. Thanks Karen (or should I say Minnie) for letting me help out I had a lot of fun. (Picture with Karalee's friends Olivia and Miranda.)

Awesome Thanksgiving Recipes

2008-10-29T22:41:00.003-06:00

Here are two awesome recipes. The Pumpkin Chiffon Pie recipe is from Robert's side of the family and it is his ultimate favorite. It is a lighter, fluffier version of the normal pumpkin pie. The other one is from my neighbor Myrt Gardner and it is so easy and fool proof. Try these you will love them.

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie -- Makes 3 pies
2 envelopes Knox Gelatin
1 C. Milk
1/2 C. Cold Water
2 1/2 C. Canned Pumpkin
1 t. ginger
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. salt
1 C. White Sugar
1 C. Brown Sugar
6 eggs

Slightly beat egg yolks, add pumpkin, br. sugar, milk and spices and cook in double boiler until consistency of custard. Add dissolved gelatin and let it stand until thick. Beat egg white until stiff, fold in sugar and pour into pie shells.

Feather-Light Overnight Rolls---- Makes 3-4 Dozen
1 C Water
1 C Butter
1/2 C Sugar
2 t salt
1 C Cold Water
2 (.25 ounce) package Yeast (SAF Yeast)
1/2 C Warm Water
4 Eggs, Beaten
7 1/2 C. Flour
Butter for spreading on dough

In a 6 quart pan bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add the butter, sugar and salt. Remove from heat. Add the 1 C cold water. Dissolve yeast in the 1/2 C warm water (not hot). When first mixture is luke-warm, add yeast mixture and beaten eggs. Stir briefly. Add flour and stir together. Cover pan with lid and refrigerate overnight. When ready to roll out, divide dough in thirds. Lightly flour surface of bread board. Roll each third out in a large circle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread dough lightly with butter. Cut dough into wedge and roll into a crescent shape. Place on 3 greased baking sheets ( about 12 rolls per sheet). Let rise about 4 hours. Bake a 400 degrees F for about 12 minutes.

I was reflecting

2008-10-24T09:23:00.005-06:00

So I was thinking that sometimes I don't show or express how much I am thankful for my life here on the earth. I believe I take for granted a lot of my blessings that I have here like: my family, my home, my health, my talents etc. I find myself always getting caught up in a moment of anger or complete frustration. I catch myself focusing on the negative things that my kids are doing instead of focusing on the good. Now, don't get me wrong I love my family so much and I know I am better off now than I was a few years ago. I am a person that suffers from post partum depression after having children., but it's very different this time around after having Kanon. I have no symptoms and I feel great. Now the difference is I believe is I feel I talk to myself more. If there is a time I feel stressed out with my house being cluttered or things just aren't going the way I want I start feeling some major anxiety. So what I do is walk around taking deep breaths and tell myself 'ok, it's not that big of a deal, let it go, it's not worth getting all stressed out about'. Also I believe I take more time out to know myself more. I guess I do have to be thankful for that as well because Heavenly Father knows that I suffer from this and that is why he sent me Kanon. He is such a great natured baby and smiles all the time and every time I look at him I am reminded how much my Heavenly Father loves me. He wants me to be able to enjoy my beautiful children. I love Karalee for her sweet, loving, caring, strong willed heart and she reminds me everyday that she loves me and says I am the best mom ever (she makes me want to live up to that). I love Leon for teaching me patience, unconditional love and forgiveness. He reminds me that no matter how many times we butt heads we can still love each other. (I don't know know if this was such a good idea now that I am crying and can't type very well) Last, but not least I love my husband, Robert, and I am thankful that he has shown me hard work, to have fun, when to be serious and when not to be, has given me knowledge and challenges me everyday to be a better person. He also has shown me patience and unconditional love (those just come with the territory of being married though)

So this is my proposal, I want all of you who read this to really reflect on your life and realize that there are so many blessings that you receive and don't realize that you are blessed. If you feel the need please share, it is like a testimony and it can help others. Also for those who do suffer from post partum depression- talk about it, don't keep it in because it will just make it worse and always remember that even though you have those type of feelings you are not a bad person.

I love you and thank you all for sharing your life with me and my family!!!

My little boy is not so little

2008-10-21T11:38:00.003-06:00

Today Kanon is 4 months old and I took him in for his check up. We found out that he is 17 lbs 13 oz and is in the 93rd percentile and his length is 16 3/4 inches and is in the 86th percentile. When he was born he was only 6 lbs 12 oz, which means that in 4 months he has gained 11 lbs and 1 oz. He is such a cute baby and who'd a thought that one of my children would be in the 86th percentile for his height.

Halloween Cookie Fun

2008-10-20T23:54:00.006-06:00

My kids and I had been looking forward to our long weekend together and they couldn't wait to make Halloween cookies. They had a ton of fun and really got into decorated their cookies. By the time they were done their tummies hurt from eating cookie dough. No sooner than an hour past and they were back in the kitchen asking for one of the cookies the decorated.

Around 500 Million Years Ago These Existed??

2008-10-20T23:36:00.011-06:00

Robert and Karalee had some extra days off because of Harvest Break, which is really 'Deer Hunt Weekend' around here in Delta. So we decided to go out west to a mountain called Swazey to get some pinenuts, but when we got there we found out that we were about a month late and the only pinenuts we found were the ones that were eaten by bugs- Yum. Robert said that there was something else we could do since we went all the way out there and that was to look for Trilobite fossils. Well, since we do have a 4 month old I stayed behind and played with Kanon in our truck and Robert, Karalee and Leon hiked up the mountain. They were gone for about 2 hours and came back with some really neat fossils. Karalee and Leon thought they were so awesome. Robert was way excited too because these were his first fossils that he had ever found and for being a Biology Teacher that is pretty cool. We had a ton of fun and we were all excited to be able to enjoy some quality time together, especially since the kids had fun on the rollercoaster road on the way home. They put their arms in the air and said 'weeeeee' like they were riding a real rollercoaster. How much fun are they?? Sometimes I wish I could be a kid again.

We invite all those who are interested in fossils to join us next time. It was fun, educational and physical.

Bows, Bows and More Bows

2008-10-13T10:36:00.007-06:00

I had a little fun this last weekend with Karalee. Her and I made some bows for her hair. I guess I would have to thank my good friend Karen for inspiring me. I never had made bows in my life and Karalee and I thought they turned out way cute. By the end of the weekend I realized that we had made 17 bows. Here's a picture of Karalee showing off her proudly made bows. I only had wished that my Mom, Grandma and sister Krishelle could have been here to join in the fun.

School Scarecrow Contest

2008-10-08T22:56:00.010-06:00

Karalee's school holds a Harvest Hoorah! every October where you can participate in a scarecrow contest and come and listen to some readers. This is our first year participating and we decided to do our family as The DeWyze Family Scarecrow Babies. All we did was stuff newborn baby clothes and orange paper bags and tie them to flower fencing. We also put foam butterflies, bees, dragonflies and fruit on pipe cleaners and decorated it as if they were in a garden. It turned out way cute and we had fun making it. Karalee was so excited to enter the contest and we were all very happy when we found out that we got 2nd Place. Her prize was a bag full of books. It was so much fun that we might make it a tradition to do one every year.

My Mom and I's Nightmare

2008-10-08T22:29:00.007-06:00

Alright, our family lives in a house that was built in 1918, it is in great shape for how old it is, but it does need some upgrading. For some reason there is the generation of people that think it was awesome to carpet everything in a house even the bathrooms and patios. Well, before we had Kanon we got our bathroom downstairs floor redone, ok no problem. Our patio/ sunroom was a different story. They put down indoor, green, from the 60's carpet and under that was 70's different shades of green out door carpet. My mom came to visit and said she would be happy to help because it was really bugging me. I mean if we didn't have kids or a dog that sheds all the time and lived in a state that didn't have rain or snow then I might be alright with it, NOT!!!! We pulled up that carpet and it was soooooo extremely heavy that we used every muscles in our bodies even the ones that we didn't think we had to get it out of there. Some of it that we pulled out stunk so bad we had to leave for a minute because we couldn't breathe. When we finally did get it out and into the back of the truck to take to the dump we were so exhausted. After we took a brief break we thought we would tackle the outdoor carpet, but after realizing that EVERY INCH was GLUED DOWN we decided to leave it. Now, I was okay with this because at least it would be easier to clean than the other carpet. Oh, but when Robert got home from work he absolutely did not like the out door carpet. So what we did was try and pull the carpet up away from the padding, but that was extremely difficult. After encouragement from my mom Robert went and got his parents four wheeler, tied a rope to the and to the four wheeler and pulled it out. And what was left is what you see in the pictures, padding. Now how in the world are we getting that up. Well, weeks before doing this project I researched online and people said that adhesive remover will bring up the padding and glue. I poured on a gallon and a half, let it sit for about two hours and a few hundred brain cells later nothing happened, still stuck to the floor. I called Ace and told them and they were nice to give me my money back. We found out from my dad that the best way to get it up would be a floor sander and maybe I could rent one. Well, since I do live in a small town no one had one, so we used Robert's hand sander that years ago gave him a scare on his chest because you can loose control of it. Of course my mom was being protective of me and did not want me using the grinder, so she did it. She is wonderful in so many ways. Thanks Mom, we finally woke up from our nightmare.

The Wonderful World of Bike Riding

2008-10-08T22:14:00.007-06:00

Our kids and their bikes. Karalee and Leon love their bikes in two totally different ways. Karalee just learned a few weeks ago how to ride her bike without training wheels. She learned so fast that I was so shocked and impressed that she learned in one evening. She did figure out that she can't go as fast and crazy as she used to when she had training wheels, but she is so happy and proud of herself that she doesn't think about that anymore.

Now for Leon, he's kind of the main reason why Karalee learned how to ride without training wheels. Well, this little boy loves demolition derby's more than his dad. He loves his trike and loves to pretend that it is a derby car. He has also mastered the skill of going in reverse and is quite an expert at that. He will ram into everything even Karalee when she is on her bike. Well, one day when Karalee was at school he rammed into her bike so hard it stripped out one of her training wheels. He did feel really bad and when Karalee found out she was a little upset, but then I told her "well, I guess that means it is time to learn how to ride without training wheels" and she was ok with that. The one thing is that I ended up not taking off the other training wheel until the night she learned how to ride without any of them. So before that night she rode her bike with just one training wheel and became a pro at it. I feel that just that the one training wheel she had helped her to learn how to balance her bike. They are so awesome!!

Karalee's TuTu

2008-09-19T18:20:00.008-06:00

Karalee was invited to a fancy tea party and I wanted her to get all dolled up, so I decided to make her this TuTu. She didn't know I was going to and when she saw it she was so surprised and absolutely loved it. It turned out extremely cute and it only took me 45 minutes to make with no sewing involved. I plan on making another one for her cat Halloween costume. Isn't she beautiful.

Welcome 'De' Wyze Family

2008-09-15T10:58:00.001-06:00

Well, this is my very first time blogging, so I will just start off letting everyone about us. First the head of our household is Robert he is a Biology teacher at the high school that he graduated from. He loves his job very much. He also loves demolition derby's- it is his obsession. Then there's me, Kirsten, who is a stay at home mom and has really enjoyed every minute of it. I should say though that the monotony of cleaning the house gets to me after a while. Then there is our first child, our Princess Karalee. She is 5 years old and is in kindergarten. She loves going to school and has really bonded with her teacher. She loves puzzles, dancing, riding her bike (she is trying no training wheels right now) and reading books. She is a smart little one and wants to really learn how to read so she can do it on her own. Next is our very head strong middle child, Leon. He is 3 years old and gets to stay at home and do preschool stuff with mom. He is following in his dads footsteps and loves demolition derby's and probably is more obsessed with them right now then Robert is. He loves his Hotwheel cars and plays derby with them all the time. He also loves riding his trike and would you guess he plays derby on that as well. He also loves his little brother a little too much that he hugs him all the time, but I am happy he loves him though. Then there is our baby boy, Kanon. He is almost 3 months and weighs almost 15 pounds. He has been a great baby and is very happy almost all of the time. He is definitely a mellow child, but I guess you would have to be when you have two older siblings. The one thing that he really loves is bath time and also smiling at everyone. All of us live in the town that Robert was raised in Delta Utah. We all love it here very much and hope to never have to leave.