The Schramm Family

Pinewood Derby

2012-01-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

What's that?
Who won all six of his heats?
Spencer!

What's that?
No one else won all of their heats?
Hmmm...that means
Spencer got 1st place!!!

Quite possibly the happiest day of his life.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

So this is what happened on our New Year's Eve.
Bet you can't top that!
Evan turned 18 on December 27th, and was baptized on the 31st. It was sweet and simple. Bridgete gave the opening prayer, Spencer played "He Sent His Son" and Filippo said the closing prayer. I made cookies and Sophie was sort of well behaved. Evan wanted it really low key...like how Evan is...but there was quite a turn out. The room was packed and every chair was full. It was nice to see all the love and support people have for Evan.

Family picture. What a good looking group if I do say so myself.

And here is Evan, Dave and Filippo in front of the Sacramento Temple.

It worked out perfectly that our ward was scheduled to do baptisms on the 12th. It was a Thursday which is the only day Dave has off. And Evan was just baptized so he could go. So all three of them got to go inside together. They were beaming. Evan would never fess up to that, but it is true:)

So I'd say that 2012 is defintely off to a good start.

2012

2012-01-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

I forgot about blogging for a bit. Holidays came with gusto and getting into Jenny's room (which is now empty and ready for house guests because she is rocking it at BYU-I) was not so easy.
So here we are.
Christmas went way too fast. Maybe because we had that dreaded stomach flu. It started on the 19th and ended on the 26th. Jenny couldn't even open her presents and Dave was in the middle of making our favorite sausages and ran upstairs. No one even ate the sausages. Well Tucker helped himself to them while I drove Filippo to the airport to spend the rest of Christmas with Charles. Merry Christmas Tucker-I am sure you loved all 2 dozen sausage links.

So I am sad Christmas was on stand still. We were supposed to have all of Dave's family over Christmas Eve, but that didn't pan out. We always get milkshakes and drive around and look at lights on Christmas Eve, but that didn't pan out. We always act of the nativity, but... you know. We did read the story of Jesus birth and watch Mr. Kruger's Christmas and Joy to the World DVD's put out by the church. The spirit was sweet and subdued and reverent. It was nice. Dave had to work so I was super busy. Three hours sleep is enough, right? Luckily everyone was feeling better (except Jenny and Dave) Christmas morning. Everyone was happy. Everyone loved their gifts. Everyone remembered Jesus.

November...where have you gone?

2011-11-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

We have been busy around here:

A room painted, a bunk bed assembled and new curtains added.

A mom sick, a hubby with a cute scar from skin cancer, and a painful vein procedure for me.

Lots of homemade soups, warm pj's, and yellow leaves everywhere.

Choir music, rehearsals that paid off, and more music to sing.

Three whole presents bought for Christmas, some photo shoots, and never ending laundry.

A grateful heart, an excitement of Christmas and

A POTTY TRAINING GIRL!

She is getting the hang of it....she loves her Yo Gabba Gabba panties

but she cant see the picture because her cute belly gets in the way:)

11 years

2011-10-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today, my hubby and I celebrate our anniversary.

I love him.

He is such a great hubby.

He is a great daddy.

He is a great...well everything.

I am crazy about him. Six weeks and 11 years is how long I've known this man. Boy, was I blessed to find him. Six kids, a dog and a cat later, we are happier than ever. Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing me so much.

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

This is a perfect summer send off picture.
I am ready for fall to arrive.

Sophie is officially 2 1/2.
Look out world.
Now I know why she made it when she was so sick.
She is a fighter.
There is no holding her back.
Lord, help us.
(But oh how I just love her:)

Bridgete's baptism

2011-08-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

"When Jesus Christ was baptized down in the River Jordan,

three members of the Godhead were present there in love.

The Father spoke from Heaven when Jesus Christ was baptized, the Holy Ghost descended as gently as a dove.

And now when I am baptized I'll follow his example,

be baptized by immersion through sacred priesthood power.

Then I will be a member of Heavenly Father's kingdom

and have the Holy Spirit to guide me every hour."

(When Jesus Christ was Baptized from the Children's Songbook)

A perfect song for baptism.

Bridgete was baptized on Saturday. It was so sweet and special and the spirit was strong. Just like Bridgete.

All the family that came to share Bridgete's special day with us.

Look a family picture. Miracles do happen:)

Bridgete, we love you and are so very proud of you in making this big decision.

Vacations Galore! Part Three of Three..Thank Goodness!

2011-08-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh Yellowstone. We loved being there. We loved all of the marvels we saw. We saw God's hand in the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone.

Oh hello Mr. Elk.
We saw you once and never saw you or any elk again for the three days we were there.

Yeah...that is Dave in the driver's seat and a couple of bison buddies wondered by to say hello. We were dying with excitement!

Yellowstone had so much water!
And it was moving fast. It looked cold and dangerous and just beautiful.

There she blows!...Old Faithful!
So amazing. There were hundreds and hundreds of people waiting faithfully for her.

Dragon's Mouth.
The sound of it sounded like a dragon...or some other big creature. It was fascinating to watch and listen. You could feel the heat from it.

My aren't you a big beautiful buffalo.
Lovely scenery, huh?

Overlooking the upper falls.
Now you can't possibly look at that and not believe in God and in his creations.

Bridgete and Spencer with Old Faithful in the background.

This is the Triplet geyser, but the big one is the Grand geyser. We stumbled upon it on our hike and within 30 seconds of standing there it went off. People had been waiting there for 10 hours. We were so fortunate to see it. And it kept going and going. It went off three times and that never happens! Everyone was cheering it on. It was so exciting!

Spencer and the Churning Cauldron.
Hot and super stinky. Many of the hot spots were super smelly. Lots of sulphur. We would get back in the car and we would just reek of sulphur. It wasn't bad...reminded me of Easter:)

Some young male bison hanging out by the road.

They were troopers! It was hot in the sun, and this was when we were by a lot of hot spots (notice not a lot of trees). The best treat ever was Yellowstone's ice cream. It made all our hiking worth it.

It was a wonderful vacation. The 18 hour drive was not that horrendous either. The kids slept through half of it so that was nice. What I miss most is being all couped up in our 30 foot cab over Cruise America motor home. There was barely any fighting and just lots of laughing and reading and talking and eating. Of course, we were probably one day shy of all the melt downs and fighting. So glad we went. We traveled through Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Not bad for a 5 day road trip. 2,200 miles all driven by my hubby. We aren't driving anywhere for a long time...his orders.

Vacations Galore! Part Two of Three

2011-08-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

I drove home (six hours) from Ventura on Tuesday July 19th. We got home around 3:00pm. I had exactly 13 hours to do laundry, repack and set up our awesome Cruise America motor home all before our 4:00am departure for Utah. Umm....I was a little crazy. I tried to have as much stuff as possible ready before Ventura, but there is still a lot of stuff to do. A LOT. Food, sippy cups, medicine bag, toilet paper, bug spray, baby shampoo...that is just a tiny bit of the Don't Forget list. Everything worked out fine and we got out the door at 4:00am (Dave and I got 3 hours of sleep...better than 2 I guess:). We got to our campground in Salt Lake around 4:00pm that afternoon. The next day (Thursday) we went to Temple Square. This was my first time in Utah and so we had to do Temple Square. It was just beautiful. 40 years of hard, backbreaking labor to build the Salt Lake Temple. Those saints were amazing. Visiting all the buildings was a huge testimony booster. I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The Tabernacle. So beautiful.

Behold the tree in Filippo's palm.

Evan, Filippo, Spencer, Sophie and Bridgete in front of the Salt Lake Temple.

An original chair from the temple. So beautiful!

"This is the place."

The first presidency and Spencer and Bridgete in the Conference Center.

On top of the Conference Center. It was a beautiful clear day. Sophie eventually passed out. All the kids did great and enjoyed seeing some church history.

Friday, we hit the road again. Our destination was Rexburg Idaho to pick up Jenny from BYU-I. It took about 4 hours. It was a beautiful drive. Everything was so green. After we got Jenny, we headed for some pizza and then to Yellowstone. But I have to save that for Part Three.

Vacations Galore! The First of Three

2011-07-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

The last part of July was a crazy one! On July 15th we drove six hours to Ventura to stay with all my family in a big beach house. It was so much fun. Adam found a great rental and we took it over for a week. Lots of sand, sunburns, sand crabs, food, sand, diet coke, laughs, sand, a few cries, and pure joy. Dave could only stay a couple of days (boo) and I stayed with all the kids till Tuesday. Everyday after breakfast, we packed up food for lunches and water and snacks and we headed to the sand. (The house was only eight houses away from the sand so it wasn't very far:) The kids played all day long! It was wonderful. This was Sophie's first time at the beach and she couldn't get enough. She had no fear of those waves (a mother's nightmare) and was fascinated by wet sand. I'm so glad she could experience all of it.

"Ewwwww, I think I like it daddy!"

"Ok boys, I know I'm a cutie...just let me outta here."

Happy Birthday to my mom. 69 years old....and look at that skin! What a beauty!

Spencer and Caden and the cork! That thing entertained them for days!

Now that is a lot of kids.

Filippo!

Abbie showing Sophie sand crabs. She loved them.

Evan!

We left on July 19th and got home around 3:00pm. I had exactly 13 hours before we left for our road trip to Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. That is soooooo not a lot of time! Stay tuned for the second installment of our July vacation madness.

The Fourth of July

2011-07-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

Well Another Fourth of July came and went.

This year everyone came (except for Jared...one day:). On the Fourth, we had 30 people! Is that wild? It was so much fun.

Stacey is my favorite in this picture! And Tyler looks like he is walking on water!

My family looks forward to our annual Fourth of July celebration with much excitement. The countdown begins in May. Since my kids don't see their cousins very often, this is sooo special to them. This is the one time every year they get all their cousins at their house. It's like Christmas morning:) I love it, too.

Forgive me for not taking a ton of pictures.

I meant to, but I was busy.

Crew is the prettiest baby ever!

Why are all these crazy people in my house?

Macie and Bridgete. They have got the Bishop genes...blond hair and brown eyes.

My family rocks. It really does.

Nashville, Tennessee

2011-06-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

This year we went country!

We went to Nashville this year for our annual girls weekend. It was so much fun.

We went in the beginning of June, and it already seems so far away. It makes me sad.

We have such a wonderful time together....you don't even want to know! We talk about everything, and sing and dance, and eat and eat and eat. Southern food is so yummy! I could taste the butter in everything:) I think I cried and laughed the most, but I don't think that is too unusual.

These girls are so dear to my heart. I can't imagine life without them. We all lead such different lives in different cities and states, but all of that fades as soon as we see one another.

This was our fifth year and it is a tradition that is well worth the yearly wait.

Love you girlies.

Hubby

2011-06-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here is my sweet Hubby with his kiddies.

My kids are crazy about their daddy. I am crazy about him, too. They adore him. Every night when I lay Sophie down, I ask her what song she wants me to sing. Every single night she says, "Dada." That means the Daddy song from primary. I love it.

My Hubby loves being a Daddy.

The way his eyes light up when he sees them melts my heart every time.

He takes so much pride in every single thing that they do.

He is definitely their #1 fan.

I couldn't ask for a better daddy for my children.

(Like Sophie is this picture???? This was the best I had to choose from. Awesome group to work with don't you think?)

In the summertime....

2011-06-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

We are consumed by swim practice, swim meets...but this kid right here (Filippo) is doing awesome! Backstroke is "his" stroke. He is darn good, too.

We are out swinging all the time. It's the perfect spot to eat Popsicles...which we eat way too often.

We get thrills at the County Fair. Not nearly the size of the State Fair, but that is fine by me.

We can't possibly go to the fair without going on the slides. They loved it!

We are always so happy to have family come visit. Here is Bridgete and Lilly in the tree house.

We had free passes to Six Flags that we had to use. Sophie is laughing not crying, fyi...she loved this little ride. So did Amanda and Jackson, even though you can't see him.

We see lots more skin. Sophie and water....practically inseparable!

And the biggest thing we do in the summertime is swim. And swim. And swim. Thank goodness for our pool. Tucker swims, too.

And that is our summer vacation so far. Oh yeah, I went to Nashville:) That's another post.

Motherhood

2011-05-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

I came across this last night. Mother's Day 2000 in front of my Mom and Dad's home.

I was a mother to just this little guy. How quickly things change.

The changes in my life prior to this picture were hard, and painful and draining.

The changes to my life after this picture have been happy, inspired and breathtaking.

Amazing what life brings. I love this little guy. He made me a mother.

A role so divine I sometimes feel unworthy.

I know Heavenly Father sent mothers here to help us get back to him.

I think of my own mom. She made sure we knew our Father in Heaven and how much he loved us. She raised us in the light of his love (insert my humming of "Teach Me To Walk In The Light Of His Love"). She prayed with us. I love hearing my mom pray out loud. She got us to church each Sunday and made sure we went to Primary, Sunday school, Mutual, and Seminary. I want to do the same for my children. I will forever be indebted to my mom for all she did then and still does for me and my brothers and sisters. I am so thankful our family can be together forever. What would eternity be like without Mom? I can't even imagine it.

Piggy tails

2011-04-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Pig tails and a sippy. What a life.
This is the first time I put Sophie's hair in pig tails. She left them in for about thirty minutes. I was surprised she left them in that long-long enough to snap a photo. Don't you just love those cheeks?

Rhoad's School

2011-04-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

Come with Spencer, I mean Travis Stockton, as we travel back in time to 1896 to a day at school....Rhoad's School - the first one room schoolhouse in Elk Grove. We went on April 12th.

On that day, Spencer, I mean Travis

wrote on a slate board,

used a quill pen,

read from the primer,

bowed to his teacher before addressing her,

played hoops, jump rope, marbles and stilts at recess,

ate a lunch of fried chicken, an apple, and molasses cookies that were wrapped in cloth napkins and wax paper,

drank from a mason jar filled with water,

always let the girls go first,

and looked adorable!!!

It is my favorite field trip to chaperone. The way the women dressed back then was sooo unflattering. No make up, white aprons, big full skirts. Ughh. Oh well. What are you going to do? I am glad I got to go:)

"Travis Stockton with Mistress Stockton"

Captured

2011-03-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

I love this picture.

Evan is in it and...smiling! He never smiles in pictures. (I think he doesn't just to irritate me. The joys of teenage boys!) Anyway, he was wrestling Sophie and she kept trying to bite his nose. It was so funny. So I got out the camera to capture it. He couldn't help but laugh and smile. And I can just eat up Sophie's cheeks in this picture.

Having a baby in the house with a couple of teenage boys is sweet. They are cute with her and show so much love. I don't think I'd would be seeing that tender side without our Sophie in the house. They will be good daddies someday.

March Madness

2011-03-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, Happy Birthday to our little Sophie. Well she is not so little...she is built rock solid. Nice and squishy, just how I like it. She had a great day.

She had a great day because Grammy is here visiting. All the kids love when Grammy comes. Suddenly my voice is not the voice to listen to anymore. They prefer Grammy because the rules disappear with her:)

And on St. Patrick's Day, we got to celebrate my sweet hubby's birthday. What a festive looking bunch! That is the yummiest cake EVER sitting in front of him. Sophie couldn't take her eyes (or hands) off of it. It is a Texas sheet cake. Along with that, we had my fried chicken, pasta and asparagus. My hubby doesn't do corned beef and cabbage on his birthday. I can't argue with that, since it is his day. But I always buy a corned beef just in case:)

And this handsome little devil made Principal's honor roll and got the citizenship award. Yeah, I am pretty darn proud.

And that is our March Madness update.

Favorite car discussion EVER!

2011-02-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

I had to write this down. In a few years, Bridgete will deny this completely, so I have to have proof:)

We were driving home from school the other day and we were talking about marriage. Bridgete isn't real fond of marrying some strange person and not living at home. Spencer was trying to figure out who he could marry (he came up with the names of two girls in his primary class).

He then was trying to help Bridgete think of someone she could marry. She said, "Eww disgusting!" to the few names he came up with.

Bridgete said, "Spencer, I just wish I could marry you...but I can't." He said, " I know, but it will be ok."

I died. Seriously died. So sweet and tender and innocent. I love them so much. I am with Bridgete...I am also not fond of her marrying some strange person and not living at home:) But I know it will all be ok 15-20 years from now.

One year ago. They both said, "Gross!" when they saw this, but I love it!

February happenings

2011-02-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

We got a fun package from Jenny last week. Notice the kids below sporting their cute BYU Idaho shirts? They came from Jenny, our BYU Idaho girl! They were sooo excited. We all got a little something from her.

In other news, Spencer presented his Famous American Report last week. He did his report on George Lucas. He did such a great job. I was so proud of him. If you ever want to know about George Lucas, ask Spencer...or me. I know way too much about him. We are all glad that project is over.

That about wraps up the news around here. Evan is playing rugby, Filippo is playing indoor soccer, and I am just trying to conquer the neverending laundry. One day everything will be folded and all the socks will be matched up...in about 20 years. Hmmmm, well I better get back on it.

Oh yes, Happy Love Day!

Where is my undo button?

2011-01-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

You're my brown eyed girl

Bridgete is so cooperative when I whip out my camera. I am so thankful for that. I am feeling more confident with my camera. I was feeling pretty confident with my editing skills until I purchased Photoshop CS5. Now everything has come to an abrupt halt. There is no "undo" button. In Elements, that was my favorite button of all time. And now it is gone. Poof...into thin air. My heart is beating faster just typing about it! What have I done? Now I have to learn all new tricks. I don't know if I am ready for that. Well, I guess I am a little. Take for instance this picture of Bridgete. Edited with the new stuff. Not too shabby. And it went a lot faster than me having to go through and adjust every single thing. So I guess this girl will have to learn a few new tricks. eeek!

#96

2011-01-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

#96.

That is the number on Spencer's car - his Pinewood Derby car. For weeks this has been the topic of conversation with Spencer. The countdown to Thursday night was a long one. This was his first Pinewood Derby Race. This is what he has dreamed of since becoming a cub scout. There was a lot of pressure on that #96. I just prayed the wheels and added weights would stay on.

Spencer watching his car go down the race track for the first time.

He did it!
He actually did great.
2nd place. Not too shabby.
He told me while I was tucked him in bed that night,
"Mom, that was the best night of my life."
So sweet. So Spencer.

A New Year

2011-01-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

It is 2011. When did that happen? Our January started with a bang (well poppers and silly string:) The boys had their annual New Year's Football Game. Lots of mud. Lots.

Did I mention lots of mud?

But the most exciting news is that Jenny is a student at BYU Idaho! She moved in January 3rd and survived her first week as an official college student. We are so proud of her and the example she is setting for the rest of her siblings. Bridgete is feeling outnumbered and misses her so, but she talks to her on the phone and writes to her. It is sweet. Bittersweet..

This picture won't flip for the life of me. It is cute and I love it, so I am still gonna use it.

So, I have been working on the house like a crazy woman. All the Christmas stuff is put away. We have moved the computer into Jenny's room that we are making more into a guest bedroom. We moved the piano to the new free wall and now have access to our full wall bookcase (and the five year dust that has been behind the piano). In moving the computer unit, we had to clear out Jenny's room. Heaven help us! That girl has more clothes than the rest of the family combined. How is that even possible? Well, all I know is that it is indeed, possible:) Since we had to clear out her room we had to move her dressers. The big one went to the boys, and then we had to go through all of their clothes. We also had to make room in the garage for her bins, bed and small dresser. Do you notice the horrible trickle effect of all of this? Have I completely confused you? I think so:)

I enjoy redecorating/rearranging projects and feeling super productive. Maybe not doing that to four rooms all at once...a little overwhelming especially with Sophie. But it is all good. Jenny's room is almost done and then I will go from there. It will be wonderful once it is done. It better be.

Well, back to work.

2010-12-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

a kiss while cutting down our Christmas tree

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Really it is. I love Christmas.

I love baking and sharing

and having carolers come to our door

and looking at lights

and taking the kids out to shop for eachother at Walgreens or the Dollar store

and the smell of our Christmas tree

and planning big special meals

and stocking stuffers

and Christmas music

and looking at my nativites

and thinking about our Savior.

I am sad when people say it doesn't feel like Christmas. I have heard this from quite a few people this year. I say...make it feel like Christmas. Share some cookies with your neighbors and friends, give some extra service to those in need, sing Christmas carols with your family... at least that is what works for me:)

Tis the season

2010-12-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is our last minute...hurry the rain stopped!....you better smile or else!...seriously can't believe someone had a huge wad of gum in his mouth and his shirt all the way buttoned!...run to Ross to find something to cover my butt!....throw on a turquoise bracelet and now we all match!...our photographer cancelled!...ask Jenny's bff Ashlee to take our picture with a 30 second tutorial!..just leave the headband on for a little longer cutie!...oh crud it's almost dark!...family picture.

I'm sure none of you can relate. hahaha.

Baked Oatmeal, anyone?

2010-12-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Baked Oatmeal
When I lived in the dorms at UC Irvine, there was one breakfast dish that was heavenly. It was Baked Oatmeal with Warm Milk. I actually tried finding the recipe from UCI but the recipe was too hard to down size from their gigantic recipe. So I gave up for 10 years. I found a baked oatmeal on all recipes recently and then made my own version. Here it is:

6 cups rolled oats 1 cup milk

1 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 eggs

3 teaspoons cinnamon 2/3 cup melted butter

3 teaspoons baking powder 3 teaspoons vanilla

2 teaspoons salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together the dry ingredients then add the wet ingredients.

Spread into a 9x13 dish

Bake for 40 minutes. Serve with warm milk.

December

2010-12-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

Sophie and a gnome
Christmas is around the corner.
And Sophie hasn't attempted to destroy any decorations-of course we haven't got our tree yet:)
In one month Jenny will be at BYU Idaho. It is finally here. I can't wait for her.

I am singing a solo in church on the 19th. "The First Noel". Arranged by Mack Wliburg.
There is a recording of it with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Fredrica Von Stade.
It is awesome! If you haven't heard, you have to.
So ever since I heard it, I have wanted to sing it.
So this is the year. Yay! It is fun.

And that is all I got. Back to work:)

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

My Favorite....Thanksgiving.

I love this holiday.

I love what it represents.

I love the name of it.

I love that it gives us all a chance to realize how blessed we are.

I am thankful for my Heavenly Father who loves me.

I am thankful for my husband who loves me dearly.

I am thankful for my darling children.

I am thankful for the title of "Mom".

I am thankful for my cozy home.

I am thankful for yummy food.

I am thankful for warm showers.

I am thankful for chubby babies.

I am thankful for the beauty of the earth.

And the list goes on and on and on.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Enjoy the blessings that surround you.

Thankful for the 18 kids you see right here...so happy my kids have lots of cousins whom they adore.
Miss you Austin!

captured

2010-11-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

You know how your kids will make certain faces when they are happy, sad, frustrated, mad, etc.

Well, my friends, I could not be happier to capture Bridgete's "pouty" face.

All the kids agreed with me when they saw this picture.

Classic Bridgete.

I love it.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T22:41:00.000-07:00

The three older kids are passed the festivities of Trunk or Treat at the church and Trick or Treating. That is why they didn't make it into the pictures:) These three had a great time.

Note to self:

Tootsie Pops make for one content baby for about 20-30 minutes.

Of course everything is a sticky mess, but sooo worth it.

The Cheetah

The Hippie
(tye dye shirt done entirely by Spencer.)

The Cowgirl

In other related news, I did win two awards at the Trunk or Treat. I won "Best Candy in Trunk" and "Scariest Family Car". Oh yeah! I won a hershey's bar and a few balloons.
The Young Women were the judges and since I am in theYoung Womens presidency, they might have felt slightly inclined to go with me. That's my girls:)

Happy Halloween from ours to yours!

The official pictures

2010-10-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Finally got all of the kid's pictures taken.

Quite a feat I might add when there is six of them.

So I just wanted to share them.

Now I just need one of them all together:)

Jenny 18

Evan 16 1/2

Filippo 13 1/2

Spencer 8

Bridgete 7

Sophie 18 months

Happy Anniversary

2010-10-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today is our 10 year anniversary. This is the picture you get to enjoy since we have no pictures together ever! That's ok.

I love this man like crazy.

I can't wait to see him everyday after work.

My heart still jumps when I hear him come in.

I don't want that to ever change.

Next week we are planning a little one night getaway and maybe we will have someone snap a shot of us actually together:)

I have truly been blessed with this man.

I cannot wait to spend eternity with him.

The Adventures of Sophie

2010-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Oh....the daily adventures of Sophie Mae Schramm. She keep ALL of us on our toes. Well, mostly me.

"I can finally reach the napkin drawer....now what do I do with them?"

"Ok, I thought this would be a little more comfortable."

"Where is the food?"

"Oh goody, they left out the cooler. I'll just tip it over and crawl on in."

"Perfect fit."

"That looks yummy. One of these days I am going to try it when my mom isn't looking."

"Finally, someone left the bathroom door open."

"I'll just smile and then I can get away with anything!"

"Maybe if my mom put some clothes on me, I wouldn't be forced to cover up with toilet paper."

I love this baby. She brings happiness everywhere she goes. Not a single day goes by that I don't rejoice that she is here with us. My heart still aches and tears fill my eyes every time I hear sirens and see firetrucks go by. I am transported to that day we almost lost her. And now...her she is. 18 months old and taking on the world. Life is good.

Say Hello

2010-09-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Say hello to my little friend, Mr. leaf bug! When I went to take Filippo to school, we found this big guy chillin on my passenger side mirror. He hung on while I drove Filippo to school and back. He was huge. We watched him groom himself and check himeself out in the mirror for an hour or so and then he hopped off. I have never seen a leaf bug up close. It was huge!

late summer highlights

2010-09-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

It was a pretty mild summer. Because of that, the blackberry bushes by our house bloomed late. But don't worry, we were patient. Is there anything better than warm blackberry cobbler with ice cream.

Bridgete

2010-08-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my darling Bridgete. I love this girl so much. Daughters are so special.

I love talking to her about life...you know, life when you are in first grade.....

the boys that talk too much in her class,

her request for a heart shaped sandwich in her lunch,

the necessity to sing "I Am A Child Of God" every night before bed,

pretty toenails,

what clothes her baby dolls should wear,

how we have the cutest baby in the whole universe,

the fact that she is the fastest girl on her soccer team,

how far she can jump,

the need for daily art projects,

made up stories for her baby dolls,

and the list goes on.

Sons don't talk about any of that,

just daughters.

My daughter.

I Love You.

a typical birthday picture. Love this one even though it is blurry as heck. LOOK everyone, Evan is smiling his regular smile and I captured it. And he is holding Sophie...I think that is the third time that has EVER happened :)

Summertime

2010-08-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Summertime...and the living is easy.

School is in full swing and the kids are not used to it. They loved this summer. Spencer told me over and over again how this was the best summer ever. Cute.

Since I didn't post any pictures over summer, here are a few.

I think these photos definitely represent the Summer of 2010 :)

And now we will move on.

I'M BACK!

2010-08-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

School started yesterday. I now have a chunk of time while Sophie is napping to blog.

Who cares about that sink full of dirty dishes,

or the four loads of laundry that needs to be folded

or the floor that needs to be vacuumed?

Ok, the vacuuming needs to be done...I'm funny that way.

But stay tuned for our summer highlights. There were a lot of highlights.

Here is a sample. She is a water lovin baby!

Happy 18th Birthday Jenny!

2010-07-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today is Jenny's 18th birthday.

Wow.

Where does the time go? Jenny is such a loving sweet girl. She brings happiness wherever she goes.

On Saturday she will FINALLY be baptized. She has been waiting for ten years. She has asked time and time again and her mom would not budge.

But now that she is 18, there is no stopping her.

Happy Birthday Jenny. We love you

MIA

2010-06-12T22:39:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm not really missing in action, but since the end of May it seems like it.

School is out which I love.

The kids have been getting along pretty good.

We've been busy with lots of yard work, cleaning out closets, cleaning out the shed, gardening, and just getting rid of stuff we don't use. It feels good. Our DI pile seems to be growing by the minute! The garage is the next item on the list... oh boy!

Of course, we have been swimming, and visiting Tops yogurt too frequently. We went to Six Flags and that was a lot of fun. Sophie wasn't too thrilled to be stroller bound, but what are you gonna do? She is becoming a good little walker. But I don't know if I am ready to unleash her in public.

I have been practicing editing photos in photoshop. My SIL Stacey gave me a few pointers when she came for Spencer's baptism and I should have recorded her voice as she explained so many things to me. Next time!

Filippo has been busy swimming all summer. He is doing great, especially his backstroke. He tried double practices last week (morning and evening) and he was like a zombie the next day. Evan started summer football, and was happy that he didn't throw up the first week. He walked around like a zombie drinking water all day so he didn't get dehydrated. I could only stand the zombie sleepy teenage boy thing for a day and put them to work the next morning. Sorry boys :) but I had to bring you back to reality.

Jenny is working for her bf's dad and for Dave. She is doing good...just saving up for BYU Idaho. Oh to be 17 again. Second thought, I like 36 :)

We have been preparing for Dave to get laid off in July, but things are looking much better. Say a prayer that they don't have to lay anyone off from the Sheriff's dept. Thank you!

I will post some new pictures soon. Camera drama. Drives me crazy!

The Cast

2010-05-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Bridgete and her cast. It is definitely pink.

Spencer Levi Schramm

2010-05-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today, this cute kid turned 8.

He has been dying to turn eight!

Why is that you might ask?

Well, as Spencer said,

"When you turn 8 you finally get baptized.

When you turn 8, you can be a cub scout!"

So tonight when I tucked him in after a fun filled day with a killer birthday party (thank you very much:), we planned his baptism and then he said, "Have you bought my scout uniform yet?"

He is one excited kid.

Happy Birthday Spencer.

My dream boat.

My gentle giant.

My inventor.

My builder.

My deep thinker.

My collector.

My Mama's boy.

My sweet son.

I love you so much.

Sophie

2010-05-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sophie Mae

Also known as: Mooner, Ofer, Moochlax, Mumu and Sofer.

Oh how I love her.

May 8, 2009 we almost lost her. I remember riding in the ambulance with the special pediatric team to UC Davis Hospital.

To mark the anniversary, on May 8, 2010, Bridgete fell off a slide and broke her arm. I called the doctor and the doctor said to take her to the UC Davis Ped. ER.

So there I was, a year to the day at UC Davis Hospital.

So thankful to be there only for a broken arm.

So thankful for the year that had passed.

So thankful for my yummy chubby little girl.

To My Mother

2010-05-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! My mom is the best. And I will give you 10 reasons why:

1. She loves me. She love my children and my husband. They can feel the love she has for them and so can I.

2. She is so thoughtful. Every present she gives and every card she sends you KNOW she went to great lengths to find it. She knows the size of all my children perfectly without seeing them often. She knows what might spark their interest and she is always right. That is a serious gift.

3. She cooks with love. She wants to feed your body and your soul. You can't help but feel more loved after finishing a meal of hers. An example would be: Italian delight cooked only in her mother's pot.

4. She is strong. Super strong - as in don't arm wrestle her. She will win. Ummm I didn't inherit that brute strength.

5. She has faith. Pure, simple, unwaivering faith.

6. She loves her Heavenly Father and I have always known that. I remember as a little girl running to her bedroom to tell her something, and I would find her praying. She wouldn't interrupt her prayer to see what I wanted, she would just keep praying.

7. She loves babies and babies love her. I have yet to see a grandchild who didn't love my mother's arms. Who wouldn't? A Grammy who is soft and always warm...it is a baby's paradise.

8. She is a night owl. I know that if I need to chat at 10:30 at night, she most definitely will be awake.

9. She is ladylike. She has the manners that a woman should have. She looks perfect before stepping out of her room and she always smells good. Oh, if she saw how I look when I take my kids to school, it would be very sad.

10. She loves her husband. Their love has been an example to me, my brothers and sisters and to many others. They have had so many trials and hardtimes in their lives, but their love never waivered. It has been a blessing to watch them together my whole life.

And those are only some of my reasons why my mom is the best. She is wonderful and I am blessed to be her daughter.

Happy Mother's Day

Birthday fun

2010-04-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

Well, this past Saturday, I turned 36. That is right...36.

I kept telling Spencer, "Can you believe I am 36?" (all the while I am hoping his answer is what I want to hear)

He would say, "Mom, I can't believe it. you look 20 or younger!"

Bless you Spencer.

I asked him that question a dozen times just to hear his answer.

We went camping over the weekend so my birthday was celebrated camping style at Indian Grinding Rock. My sweet friend, Jenn Howard made me the most scrumptious chocolate cake and brought it over on Friday so we took it with us. Dave was soooo relieved. Saturday, after making french toast and bacon (a traditional camping breakfast) Dave gave me a card and my present in an empty Capri Sun box that was about to be tossed in the fire. The kids all found paper in the tent trailer and made me a card. It was sweet.

The night before was rough. Sophie was teething and not super happy. I had just got her to sleep when three dogs come running into our campsite with a noisy owner yelling after them. They had just pulled in to the site across from us. Needless to say, Sophie woke up startled and I wasn't happy. Dave told the guy we were trying to lay our baby down...a subtle hint to be quiet. We all eventually turned in about 10:30pm. All the while, our new neighbors were getting louder and more and more drunk.

At 12:30am, we hear yelling and punches being thrown. I do believe I heard more cussing that night more than I have in my entire life. It was scary and Dave luckily had reception and called 911. he told them what was going on and that he was a sheriff for Sacramento County. I think that helped speed things along :) The cops came and warned them to be quiet or they'd be arrested.

At 2:30am, they were back at it with the yelling and screaming. It was the same guys making trouble again. So Dave called and told them what was going on and the cops showed up shortly after. Our neighbors heard Dave on the phone and suddenly it was quiet. You could hear people running to hide. But they were so drunk they couldn't keep quiet at all. They figured out real quick where they were. They found the guy who was the biggest problem. We know that because suddenly you heard ,"Help 911...help, police brutality!" He yelled and screamed like a girl. They said he was so drunk he couldn't even walk. They also arrested his girlfriend. It was crazy. All the while, Sophie kept waking up. I think I slept 2 hours that night.

Ok, so back to my birthday. After breakfast (and noticing our neighbors were packing up and leaving), we headed over to the museum and to see the Indian grinding rock and teepee's. It was amazing! Everyone loved it. We hiked a little, then drove to town for pizza. After naps for the baby and Dave, we wanted to do some good hiking. We didn't have any takers except Bridgete (and Sophie of course). So we set out and it was great. Bridget kept up the whole time at my pace. Dave calls me billy goat Bishop when we hike:) And Bridgete was right there behind me. We hiked all the trails and it made me so happy.

Ok, I'd rather have a birthday picture of me with some makeup on, but hey, we are camping. And what is up with Dave's tough guy face?

That night was sooo quiet. No interruptions, just the sounds of nature (and sometimes Sophie).

It was quite the birthday weekend.

tired

2010-04-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Every night for the past week and a half, someone has stood by my bedside and woke me up...The reasons vary:

coughing attack from asthma,

a bad dream,

a headache,

a baby crying and waking up a sleepy sister,

and even the precious dog has whined to go outside (his new found love of diapers and granola bar wrappers hasn't been setting well with him.)

I asked today, "Why don't you go on Daddy's side?" The answer, "I don't know...I just go straight to your side." :)

I think if they didn't come to my side I would be sad.

Luckily Dave doesn't feel that way at all. He asks how the night went because he snoozes right through it. He considers it a talent he has.

I say...it is because he's a man :)

In the springtime

2010-04-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

The garden has been planted.

Everyday we check for new signs of life from the seeds we planted a week ago.

Our plum and peach tree are loaded with little tiny fruits. Sadly, our apricot tree has none.

It had a traumatic winter and got blown over during a nasty storm.

We weren't sure it made it but eventually leaves started to appear.

But no blossoms....no fruit.

I LOVE apricots right off the tree.

It is my favorite fresh picked fruit.

Next year.

I can't wait for the kids to be swimming all summer long and enjoying our plums and peaches in between cannon balls. Next year they will enjoy apricots, too. I just know it!

That reminds me.....summer.....swimsuits.

I got some work to do!

Big time.

Sophie is a year and I stopped nursing two months ago, so I guess that excuse is out the door.

Darn.

Who is with me?

(If you are already swimsuit ready, don't tell me. That is just wrong!)

a month of family

2010-03-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

Over the past month we have had a steady stream of family coming to visit us.

It has been wonderful!

We miss not being close to them, so when someone wants to visit it is a big deal.

The kids LOVE playing with their cousins.

So I snatched a few shots here and there of our visitors.

(Yes, adults did come along with the kids....they just didn't get in a picture :)

Sophie and Jackson.

Yes, Sophie is six months older than Jackson, can't you tell?

They weigh the same but I am happy to report that she is 29 1/2 inches tall.

I think she might have Jackson by a little bit:)

Barely.

Here is Wade peering through the play structure. He is a crack up. And he says "Sophie" in the most adorable way.

Spencer, Bridgete, Wade, Averi, Owen and Jenny on a train in Old Sacramento.

We had a blast walking around and filling up on candy.

On a side note, Stacey and I stumbled across some awesome places for a photo shoot.

Next time....Stacey.

Sophie, Grammy and Grampy on her 1st birthday. We had a great visit and my mom even cleaned out my fridge for me. What a treat! Spencer could not get enough of Grampy and his jokes. It was cute to see. Anyone else want to come visit? We'd love to have you.

Happy 1st Birthday, Sophie

2010-03-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Sophie's 1st Birthday. I cannot believe she is one. What a year!

I do know that since Sophie has been born,

I have become more humble, I have more faith,

I have a stronger testimony,

I believe without a doubt in angels,

I am a big supporter of DTP vaccinations,

I know of the healing powers of the priesthood, I take great comfort in being sealed to my family for eternity, I don't fret over frivolous things,

I still need to shed my pregnancy weight :(,

I love that girl more than I ever thought possible.

Who knew I would learn and gain all of this from this baby girl?

She is so sweet.

She smiles at everyone.

She is a petite little thing.

She loves her family.

She loves to nuzzle... my favorite!

Happy Birthday Sophie!

the in between day

2010-03-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Dave's birthday and tomorrow is Sophie's birthday. I had to take a picture of them in their green. Dave had a great birthday....no corned beef here. We had fried chicken at his request. And I made a Texas sheet cake but with a white butter frosting. It was to die for....(literally if you think of all the butter I used :) Stay tuned for Sophie's birthday celebration. The tears are already flowing.

thoughts of a little girl

2010-03-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

I just had to write this down. It was too cute.

I was driving Bridgete to Kindergarten and we passed a house that has been vacant and unkept for a few months.

She said, "Oh my gosh Mom! That house has a lot of wishes."

Not weeds....

Not dandelions....

but wishes.

picture taking

2010-02-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Jenny and her best friend Ashlee agreed to let me take their pictures. It was more like practice for me. But teenage girls love to get their picture taken, so it was a win win for everyone :) I like this one, so I dared myself to put it on here. Ok Stacey, be nice. Just kidding Stacey....I appreciate all of our photography chats.

Aren't railroad tracks cool?

happy days

2010-02-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Can't you just bite this little face? I can't believe that in ONE month Sophie will be a year! Wow.

In other news, Filippo got his haircut (hallelujah!)

Evan is on the volleyball team at school.

Spencer did his heritage report on Germany and learned that beer is brewed in most major towns and cities....important stuff for a 2nd grader.

A little boy in Bridgete's class gave her a ring to show his love for her.

Jenny started working for Dave.

I am perfecting my homemade pizza...it's almost there and Dave is one amazing hubby who loves me no matter what. I am so thankful for that :)

Whew.

The Sun is Out!

2010-02-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after church, we went for a big walk.

The sun was shining,

the birds were chirping

and it would have been just plain wrong if we stayed inside.

Sophie had her first official swing ride at the park.

She giggled the whole time.

I perfected my spiral (sort of).

Dave and Filippo love when I refuse to catch the football because it is going to fast.

They both get a look like "Who does that?"

It's funny.

Can I just steal these eyelashes?

Why do boys always have the most gorgeous eyelashes?

Imagine

2010-01-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Imagine if cankles were considered adorable?

Imagine if you had a friend to eat all the food you didn't like?

Imagine if a dirty face charmed the pants off everyone?

I imagine if I got away with all of the above, I would think that Life is good. Life is very good.

A Flurry of Activity

2009-12-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone.

I am sad.

I am still listening to Christmas music and enjoying my tree (just don't bump into it or the needles go all over :). Christmas is such a magical time of the year.

We helped out a family this year and the kids helped with the cause by donating some of their new toys. They LOVED helping a family in need. They still talk about it daily. Dave and I usually do it ourselves, but this year I thought everyone could join in.

Service is great.

And we are fortunate to be in the situation where we can help others. For that I am VERY thankful.

We have had two birthdays in our home. Filippo is the big 13 and Evan is sweet 16. They are wonderful boys. They are a delight to be around and I am so proud to be their mom.

They are really cute, too.

I get told that all the time and it worries me a little bit.

Our So Cal trip was a blast. Busy, busy busy...but that is how it always is. I wish I could talk to everyone more, but that is just how it goes. We caroled, we went to Disneyland, we ate and ate some more (paying for that now!), we played and we opened presents. I love seeing my brothers and sisters and all their kin. They are all so cute. We stayed with my parents and we filled there spare bedrooms to the max.

When the heck did I become a mom to six?

Our car was filled with eight people, a dog, luggage on top and luggage on the back. Six hours there and six hours back is just about all we could take! I am still recuperating :)

Life is good.

2009 has brought some sweet blessing and bittersweet trials. My heart still aches when I think of the numerous times we almost lost Sophie. But then my heart leaps with happiness when I see her standing in her crib grinning at me. I love that face. She greets everyone with a smile...I believe that is her way of saying, "Thank you for praying for me." My husband is back to his same old self. My heart hurts when I think of how his body started shutting down of him that Saturday night. But then I see his smile and I smile back even bigger. Love that man. He is everything I ever dreamed of. He is mine forever. So are my kids. Lucky me.

So here is to a New Year. I can't wait to see what 2010 brings my way. (Hopefully good things :)

Tis the Season

2009-12-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

Life has been so crazy. No joke. I am trying hard not to feel overwhelmed with trying to get everything done, so this evening before dinner, I told Bridgete we were going to take a walk. It is her favorite thing to do. I put dinner on hold, loaded up Sophie in her stroller asked Filippo and Spencer to join us and we were off.

Twenty minutes of feeling carefree.

It was heaven.

I skipped with them,

galloped,

hopped on one foot,

ran

and gave a piggyback ride.

(Filippo was running along kicking the soccer ball...no piggyback ride for him :)

It was almost dark so we hurried home. Everyone was happier. I was happier. So I have decided when I am feeling completely overwhelmed, I am going on a walk with my kids.

Thankful

2009-11-26T07:43:00.001-08:00

Count your many blessings

name them one by one,

and it will surprise you

what the Lord has done.

Dave (my hubby)

Jenny

Evan

Filippo

Spencer

Bridgete

Sophie (extra tears with this one:)

home

My Savior

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

music

good health

food

the vacuum

Ok...I realize I can list a million more things. I am thankful that I get to reflect on all my blessings a little more today. Everyday should be a Thanksgiving day. I am going to work on that :)

Happy Thanksgiving

New things

2009-11-21T22:38:00.000-08:00

Having a try at a new hobby :)

A bit overwhelming.

Fun with Grammy and Grampy

2009-11-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

Last week, my parents came for a visit. They got to see Evan's football game and the other's soccer games.

I also thought they would enjoy going to the zoo. Spencer and Bridgete had minimum days, so we scooped them up and headed for the Sacramento Zoo and at the last minute, we decided to go to Fairytale Town as well. These two places are gems for young kids. I just love them, especially Fairytale Town. I get sad when the kids outgrow it. It is perfect for little kids. We went on a Thursday afternoon and there was barely anyone there. Spencer and Bridgete practically had the place to themselves. My parents loved it, too. I knew my dad would love all the beautiful mature trees. It was a lovely, crisp, autumn afternoon. Sophie and I at Fairytale Town

We always love having them come up. I think our dog Tucker loves it even more than we do. Grammy and dogs...a match made in heaven :) Seriously, there is NO dog that doesn't love my mom.

We can't wait to get down to see everyone next month.

The History Buff

2009-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Filippo loves history. I mean he really loves it. He is like a sponge when reading or learning about anything historical, especially WWII. So, he came home yesterday from middle school and said he got tons of candy from his history teacher. I said, "Why?" He said, "She quizzed us on WWII and I knew every one." Not shocking at all. He could not believe his peers didn't know about D Day. A history buff in the making, that is for sure.

Ughh

2009-11-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I should be worried.

I picked Bridgete up from Kindergarten today and her friend Jason awaited her outside. His Grandpa kept saying "Let's go," but Jason kept saying, "I have to wait for Bridgete." So once she was out the door and next to him, he said, "Good bye Bridgete, my love!" She didn't acknowledge him at all, but I told her to say goodbye anyway. I then asked Bridgete in the car, "So, is Jason a good friend?" She says, "Yeah, he says he is my boyfriend." I said, "Well, is he?" She said, "I guess but Kevin really likes me, too."

Ughh. Not what I wanted to hear, but secretly I did think it was cute he said, "my love." But just for a second :)

Scarecrow Day in Mrs. Start's class.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T22:33:00.001-07:00

We played soccer.

We carved pumpkins.

We saw Jenny off to Homecoming.

We got dressed up.

We went trick or treating till someone couldn't walk anymore (Spencer).

We ate all the candy we could. (mama's rule - eat all the candy you want on Halloween, then I am in charge :)

Got ready for bed while the parents did a little dance in celebration of the time change.

And that, my friends is our Halloween in a nutshell.

Sophie and her new best friend

2009-10-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Sophie is on the move.

Watch out.

Her motivation for crawling all over the family room is.....

Tucker.

(doesn't he looked thrilled!)

I don't quite know how to feel seeing this all day long. I am not a "let your dog lick you...especially in the face!" kind of a gal. But Sophie is completely fascinated with Tucker. Luckily, he just takes it and cleans off the sweet potato mess on her face :) Love, true love.

Doing good

2009-10-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Dave is doing better. He has drank more water this week than ever before. His blood clot in his arm is a wee bit better. He is slowly getting back to his regular self. His spirits are much much better which makes me so happy. It is hard to watch your man be down and out.

My brother Adam came up Thursday to help out. The kids were so excited to see him. He is a "cool" uncle. He helped take kids to school, babysat a little, worked on the pool, picked up kids from practices and watched five games (1 football, 4 soccer). It was so nice to have him. He came bearing gifts from the bakery which is always such a special treat. I think we had toast for all three meals yesterday :) Thanks Adam for coming up. It was so sweet of you to leave your family for a few days to help us out. Thanks Stacey for giving up your hubby for a little bit and letting him come up here. It really meant a lot to us.

This is the smile he decided to do....nice.

Dave and Adam were a traveling pair this weekend. Don't they look cute together :)

You Never Know

2009-10-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

You never know what life has is store for you.

Saturday the 17th, Dave and I were out eating a yummy dinner at Macaroni Grill celebrating our 9th anniversary. Three hours later, I receive a phone call saying that my hubby is being transported to Methodist Hospital because he had a seizure at the grocery store.

What?

Life is fragile.

Dave is fine. He is home now. He is extremely drowsy from his medication for seizures. He has a 2-3 inch blood clot in his arm. So he is on blood thinners for that. He is taking more medicine now than he's ever taken. But he is ok, and that is what matters.

They said he had three seizures and it took 10 people (the fire dept had to call for Code 3 back up) to hold him down. He had to be restrained (strapped down) while they transported him to the ER. I could have sworn I married a lover not a fighter...guess I was wrong. I thought the paramedic was joking when he told me my hubby was in an ambulance because he had a seizure at the grocery store.

What?

Good news is that all the tests they ran came back normal. Thank the good Lord. The reason for the seizures....lack of sleep, dehydration and low potassium.

Working two jobs has taken it's toll.

Diet Mountain Dew is not the most hydrating drink out there.

I don't know if it counts, but he did have bananas in the cart before he went down.

So a lesson has been learned. Life is so fragile. He could have died.

Our bodies are a gift.

We need to treat them like that.

(I guess I shouldn't have finished off that plate of brownies just now :)

Thank you for all your prayers. We love you all.

2009 has definitely been an eventful year for our family.

Happy Anniversary

2009-10-17T08:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary to the man I love.

It has been 9 years since we got married and I coudn't be happier.

I love being his wife.

I love being the mother of his children.

Nothing could make me happier.

Who knows, maybe we will go out on a date all by ourselves today.

(or Sophie might join us :)

Either way it is great.

It is funny the paths life takes you on.

9 1/2 years ago,

I would have never imagined living in Northern California,

taking care of a darling hubby,

six kids

a dog and a cat.

The Lord has watched over me.

I am eternally grateful for that.

My dreamboat

2009-10-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dreamboat is Spencer. That is what I call him and always will :) He thinks a lot about things I wouldn't expect a 7 year old to think about.

Example: last night he told us how we have two families in Heaven... The one that we are with now and the one we have when we are married. He said, "We were all really good friends and that's why we decided to be in a family together." Love it.

Then today on the way home from school, he said,"I am going to start my own business. I am going to open a bakery up here just like the one Grammy and Grampy have down there. That way we can always have one nearby. Mom, you can bake your cookies and stuff and the rest of the recipes I will get from them. I think it will do really good because there are no bakeries around here." He has mentioned this before but he talks about it a lot more lately. Isn't that funny?

Here he is with one of his recycled artwork pieces. It is impossible to throw anything in the recycle bin without Spencer finding a artistic purpose for it.

On a totally different side note...I have been trying to write more on my blog. I don't keep a journal (the horror!) and this is my way to remember all the fun (and not so fun) things in my family. So hang in there...you might get smothered in my sappiness sometimes, but it won't harm you. I promise.

A Full Heart

2009-10-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

I love staying home. I have No idea how our home would run if I worked full time. I am so grateful that my hubby has two good jobs that allows me to be home.

Right now we are going on Day 5 of the flu. We suspect it is the swine flu, but I am not taking them in for an official test.

I love that "mom" makes things feel better with a snuggle or a kiss. I love that "mom" is the name they call out to soothe them. Call me selfish...but that is one of the perks of the job.

I remember my mom taking care of me. Oh how I loved it. When she would give us 7 up to drink and crackers to eat, somehow she made them taste so much better than they were. I want to be like that. I think I may actually be like that with my kids. I hope so.

I remember coming home from school and every so often, our house smelled of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. It put an instant smile on our faces. If we had a rough day at school, it was suddenly forgotten by cookies and milk. (She made crispier cookies so they dunked really well :)

Now I think I will go make some chocolate chip cookies. Mine aren't crispy, but I know they will put an instant smile on their faces after school. (well, Filippo and Bridgete are home sick...maybe I will set some aside for them in the freezer :)

A little bit of this....

2009-10-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

A little bit of that... (now I am singing that song :)

Days have been going by so quickly. I can't believe it is already October 9th. Our house has been a busy house with school, my hubby's new work schedule, football and soccer. I am happy to say that our fall decorations are up and I am already making Bridgete's costume.

I am loving the change in the air. Bring on the soups, stews and casseroles!

We had VISITORS! Uncle Gery and Ken came by to see us. It was great (a little chaotic: at dinnertime Sophie was hungry so Dave was holding her while I was serving up enchiladas. Neither of us could sit and Gery and Ken weren't to sure if they should sit or stand or wait or what. I eventually got everyone their food; Dave sat down as the official adult representative of the family and I nursed in a chair close by. Just a little awkward :) but it worked out.

And this little cutie is sitting up and moving all over. She is growing up WAY too fast. She doesn't "officially" crawl, but she gets around pretty darn good.

"Hi. I am Sophie and I am a big girl!"

"Hi. I am Sophie and I like yoga. This is my downward dog."

Speaking of growing up fast - when did Filippo grow? He has almost caught up to me! And his feet are like flippers. Got to love those middle school years when all they do is eat and grow.

Is there anything sweeter?

2009-09-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

I just had to share this. Is there anything sweeter than hearing a baby laugh?

Family

2009-09-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today was the Primary program! It was so sweet. I look forward to it every year. It is by far the best sacrament meeting of the year. Spencer and Bridgete had their lines memorized and did a great job.

They sang a song "The Family is of God." It was in the Oct 2008 Friend magazine. O my gosh....the tears started flowing. The words are simple and beautiful. Add 50 kids singing it and it makes it even better. Here are the words:

Our Father has a family. It's me!

It's you, all others, too: we are his children.

He sent each one of us to earth, through birth,

To live and learn here in families.

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be-

This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.

A father's place is to preside, provide,

To love and teach the gospel to his children.

A father leads in family preayer to share

Their love for Father in Heaven

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be-

This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.

A mother's purpose is to care, prepare,

To nurture and to strengthen all her children.

She teaches children to obey, to pray,

To love and serve in the family.

God gave us familiesto help us become what He wants us to be-

This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.

I'll love and serve my family and be

A good example to each family member

And when I am mom or dad, so glad,

I'll help my family remember:

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be-

This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.

After the program was over the Bishop shared a few words. He talked about the chorus of this song. Heavenly Father shows us his love by blessing us with our family members. Kind of makes you think twice before getting upset or impatient with those that should always be most dear. They are forever. Is there anything more beautiful? 'fraid not :)

The California State Fair

2009-09-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the State Fair. Yipee! It was huge! Dave kept telling me the LA County Fair has nothing on the CA State Fair, and he was right. The kids had a blast. They went on a couple rides, saw some exhibits, ate "fair" food, and saw some animals.

Getting on the ferris wheel.

Jenny and Jake (just a "friend") in the fun house.

Spencer and Bridgete on the swings. They laughed the whole time. And Spencer would like you to know he did "no hands" the whole entire time:)

And this little one was a trooper once again. Don't you just want to bite those yummy cheeks? Her favorite ride was the stroller :)

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

So Dave's best friend Ron decided to make reservations for us to go camping at Bruno Island. What's that?....You've never heard of it? Well, we had never heard of it either. There is Brannon Island that is known by many...Bruno Island is like the little brother of Brannon. It is along the Delta and it took about 45 minutes to get there...gotta love that!

It was great. There was grass and nice trees and we were seconds from the water. Everyone else camping at Bruno was river rats. That made for some interesting company :) As Dave kept saying, "They're just good ol' boys." We stuck to fishing. So Saturday morning was spent patiently waiting for something to happen....nothing. Maybe it was luck, maybe it was the bait. Call me crazy, but I just had a feeling that fish weren't into synthetic worms.... :)

So we decided to head out and explore the sights. We did a little Geo caching along the way, thanks to Hailey and Ron. I had heard of it before but wasn't too excited by it. The kids had a great time doing it. We found four. They are all over the place. Spencer was soooo into it. He loved it and wants to do it all the time :) It is pretty neat, especially for kids. Anyway, it was lunchtime so we stopped to eat at the famous Fosters Big Horn. Dave and Ron told the kids that it is a place where they can see lots of stuffed animals.

Yeah....this guy Foster killed all of these between 1930-1950. There are pictures to prove it. None of us will ever forget this restaurant, that's for sure :) Dave got some night crawlers, and within 5 minutes of baiting the hooks, Spencer caught a fish. He was so excited. It was like Christmas morning! All the kids caught numerous fish...29 to be exact. But we left them in the water overnight (don't ask me why) and the otters ate ten of them. That left us with nine...they all had a bite taken from them...naughty otters. The kids were sad and decided to fish again Sunday morning and they caught what the otters took. Dave cleaned them and I floured and fried them for a mid morning snack. They were blue gill which aren't real meaty but they were tasty. Everyone tried it. I told them that if you catch them we have to eat them, and they didn't argue.

The kids love camping. Dave and I love it, too. We haven't done much of it this year because of Sophie but she was sooo good. So I hope to get in a couple more quick trips before the weather gets too cold.

Happenings

2009-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you to Dave's patient who found all my deleted files on my camera! I now have the pictures that went missing from this summer. I am so thankful for computer savvy/camera savvy people. Now maybe I will get around to posting a few :)

Sophie has a cold. She coughs quite a bit, but we went to the doctor's yesterday and her lungs sound great...it is just a head cold :) Can't help but stress when she is coughing and coughing! She weighs a whopping 15.1 pounds. OK, OK, so she is no heavyweight, but she is right where she should be :) I know my sister Aimee's kids weigh that at two months (love you Aimee!)

Dave is close to being rehired. Hopefully this month!

And I am doing just peachy. Trying like heck to lose this baby weight. Any pointers? I am breastfeeding....so starvation is out the window (like I could do that anyways!) My friends and I have a goal to lose 20 pounds by Halloween. 16 to go! and then after I hit 20 pounds, I need to lose 10-20 more. Is there ever an end to the dieting madness? I do feel much better from making better choices ...my new favorite is steel cut oatmeal. Yummy.

Bridgete turned 6!

2009-08-23T15:56:00.001-07:00

Our little Bridgey turned SIX yesterday.

She is such a sweet girl.

She loves her family.

She LOVES being a big sister.

She is so much fun to watch when she plays quietly by herself.

She started kindergarten a week ago and already has made so many friends.

She also started soccer this year. She works it. She is a fast runner and gets to that ball quicker than anybody. It must be those long lean legs (Dave and I are still trying to figure out where those legs came from :)

Happy Birthday Bridgete. We love you!

Yes, I am here :)

2009-08-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have had some camera issues....as in all the pictures from our fantastic trip to Angel's Camp, Calaveras Big Trees and Mercer Caverns have vanished. Somehow they all got deleted. I don't know how...sometimes there is a ghost who does things like this in our house. I have been very sad about it and so I went on a blogging strike. And now I am over it. I guess :)

Anyway, we are gearing up for school in the Schramm household. Monday is the big day. Bridgete will be in Kindergarten, Spencer will be in 2nd grade, Filippo will be in 7th grade (middle school!), Evan will be a Sophmore and Jenny a great big Senior! I have loved having them home this summer. It went way too fast this year. We have been busy getting everyone ready with back to school clothes, shoes, supplies, etc.

$$ouch$$.

We also have two in swim lessons (almost done with that!), four in soccer and one in football. Busy, busy! Luckily Sophie just goes with the flow. She is so sweet. I wonder if she will nap well when all the kids are back in school. It will be sooo quiet. She is definitely used to a lot of background noise :) I guess we will find out on Monday!

Happy Birthday Jenny Girl

2009-07-26T19:51:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe Jenny turned 17 today.....is that crazy or what? I remember meeting her when she had just turned eight. She has grown into such a beautiful young woman and we are so proud of her. She is such a great girl. Love you Jenny.

A post

2009-07-21T10:58:00.001-07:00

So, I am a slacker in updating my blog. I guess that is what happens in summertime, when EVERYONE is home.

Sophie is four months old.

It seems like I gave birth to her AGES ago because of all that has happened in her little life.

She is so yummy and sweet.

Stacey, my talented sister in law took these pictures of Sophie over the Fourth of July weekend.

She is such a good baby. She sucks her fingers, which I just love! She is a little peanut, that is for sure. But, I love peanuts :)

She is a little behind in milestones and weight....but hey, she needed a month off. She is the love of everyone's lives around here. We were at church the other day and people I barely know say, "How's Sophie doing?" She is a little celebrity :)

Fourth of July Extravaganza

2009-07-09T07:50:00.001-07:00

We had our annual Fourth of July Extravaganza this past weekend. As you can see from the pictures a great time was had by all!

We had 28 people over....my parents got a room :) so that means 26 people slept in our house. That is a lot of bodies for a four bedroom house! Every room was used....thank you family for not minding sleeping in the dining room and front room and family room.

We had a great time! We look forward to it so much.... Spencer was already asking about next year :)

I thought I'd compile a top ten list of

"Why you can't miss out on a Fourth of July with th Schramm's"

10. Sleep is totally overrated...so is make up.

9. Tri tip.

8. When else can you get away without bathing your kids for days?

7. The annual 5K (oh yeah...no one did it with me....next year girls :)

6. Giant pickles.

5. The boys can light things on fire and it is ok.

4. The constant buffet...of neverending junk food.

3. Ring pops do make the world a better place.

2. Getting people wet when they don't want to be is funny, according to Adam and Aaron

1. What other family would have a singalong fest to "My ding a ling?"

Thank you family for making the drive up here. It means so much to us. maybe Jared will come next year....:)

School is out

2009-06-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here in the Schramm household. Jenny, Evan and Bridgete have been out of school since the beginning of June. Spencer and Filippo JUST got done with school yesterday.....yipee! Next year I am SO excited that everyone will be on the traditional schedule.

Anyway, Filippo is now a BIG 7th grader. He had his 6th grade promotion yesterday. I had to buy him new dress shoes. When did he begin to wear a size 9 in men's shoes. Where is my little boy?

Jenny is going to be a SENIOR. When did that happen?

Bridgete is going to be in Kindergarten. Here she is at her preschool graduation.

We decided last minute to go see Dave's sister, Diane. She lives in Carmel and has the cutest house ever! Check out the patio! She makes me want to go rearrange and redecorate my whole house....but then I realize we have 6 kids and decide to do the laundry instead :) And little Sophie is THREE months old. I could just eat her up. She is such a sweet baby. She is doing great...like nothing ever happened. She is a little peanut, though. She didn't gain any weight for a month so she is playing catch up a little bit.

My Sweet Grandma Red

2009-06-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

My sweet Grandma Red passed away on June 6, 2009. What a wonderful lady she was. She was such a special woman who was so full of love and life. I will miss receiving little notes in the mail from her and her short sweet emails. I am sad that she and Sophie never met. But I know they were close. I can just feel it. It seems like the moment Sophie started to get better, my Grandma started getting worse. It was like give and take. Sometimes life is like that. Our family will miss GG.

She did so many things that made life so sweet.

She always sent cards for every occasion.

She always told you how much you were loved.

She always wanted to feed you when you came to visit.

She always saw the Lord's hand in everything.

She always was ready to talk politics.

She always hugged and kissed you hello and goodbye.

She always made every child feel special.

We will miss you.

This was our last visit to Southern California. I am glad we got these pictures with her :)

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

We are home! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be home after 26 days in the hospital. Sophie is doing so much better.

Below is a picture of Sophie at the hospital a few hours before going home. Does she look excited or what?

Sophie Mae Schramm is one special girl. She has brought hundreds and hundreds of people closer to Heavenly Father.

She helped people renew their faith in the Lord.

She helped us remember that miracles do happen.

She helped us rely on the power of prayer.

She helped us realize that angels are surrounding us all the time.

In her ten weeks of life, she has already done so much for others. I am honored to be her mother.

Dave and I are so touched by all the outpouring of love and service to our family. We would not have survived this weeks without my mom or Dave's mom. Dinner was provided when we needed it, children looked after, treats left when we needed a treat, loving notes came in the mail, kids taken to seminary, activities, practices, etc. Thank you all so much. It has meant so much to us....more than anyone will ever know :)

Finally!!!!!!!!

2009-05-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Here we are just minutes after they extubated her. My sweet baby girl! Words cannot express the joy in my heart. Twenty one days of not holding her are now behind us, thank the Lord! She is breathing great on her own...the first couple breaths were tricky for her. I think she forgot how to breathe on her own since the machines have been doing it for her for a 1/3 of her life. But she got the hang of it real fast and has been doing great. Here is Dave and his girl. Her little cry is so sad sounding. It is super soft and hoarse.

Is this picture priceless or what? This was about five minutes after being extubated. She is thinking, "Hallelujah, that tube is finally out!" She is such a little trooper. I was scared she forgot how to smile so this was so thrilling to see:) Love it. She is still on oxygen for a day or two and then....let's hope, we can go home!!!!!

Almost

2009-05-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Sophie didn't get her tube removed today :( Maybe Friday. They want her to build up her strength a bit more. She was on a paralyzing medicine for two weeks and it made her very, very weak. She has not been on it for a few days now and she has been exhausting herself from opening her eyes, moving around, and breathing without a lot of help from the ventilator. Almost. We can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel, though. That is a good thing.

You Go Girl!

2009-05-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Sophie has been doing great!!!! She has made so much progress in the last two days, and the doctors are impressed with what Sophie has been able to do. They have steadily been lowering her rates on the ventilator. She has been tolerating all the changes like a champ.

One of the med students who has been assigned to Sophie had a dream the last night that she was extubated and moving all around and doing great. She shared it with us and all the doctors and we all agreed that if it comes true this week, she is going to have patients lining up for her because of her visions :)

The plan is to continually lower her rates through out tomorrow and then if everything is looking good, Wednesday they will remove her breathing tube and see how she does. Can you believe it? I will finally be able to hold her, nurse her and hear her cry. I haven't been able to do that for almost three weeks. It has been, without a doubt, the longest three weeks of my life.

So please, keep the prayers coming for Sophie Mae. She has got a couple of big days coming up! I will let you know how she is doing.

An update and a new hat

2009-05-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here is our little Sophie. She is sporting a new hat, thanks to Florett and a new blankie, thanks to Grammy. You might be wondering what the yellow thing is in her ear. It is an earplug, so she won't be so disturbed by the oscillator (the breathing machine she is on) and all the alarms that are always going off.

So, the plan for today is to switch her from the oscillator (a breathing machine that holds her lungs open and pulsates air into them - it breathes for her) to a ventilator (a breathing machine that supports her in her own breathing). So she will be going from not breathing on her own, to supporting herself with her own breaths. They think she is ready for the switch so they are going to give it a go. Worst case scenario would be to put her back on the oscillator for a few more days then try again.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers. I think little Miss Sophie has brought all of us closer to our Father in Heaven. What a blessing :)

Good news!!!!! She is back on the ventilator. The transition went very smooth, so that is great.

Baby Steps

2009-05-21T00:12:00.001-07:00

Sophie's x ray this morning looked better.....yipee! (the lungs still look really bad, but not as bad as yesterday and that makes everyone happy.) and her bloodwork has been showing improvement. She is getting there slowly but surely. Thank you for your constant prayers. The Lord hears all of them....isn't that so comforting?

I think I can, I think I can.

2009-05-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that these past eleven days have been the longest days of my life. We should be there for another two weeks. Dave and I don't care how long, as long as we get that little girl healthy again. I promise that once that day comes you won't be able to pry Sophie from my arms. Serious :) I try to think of those days instead of the fact I haven't held her for eleven days. That breaks my heart more than anything. Here is a new picture of Little Miss Sophie. They said we could use a blanket and hat from home to keep her warm. Grammy whipped two blankets out that evening. A friend from church knitted her a little hat. It felt good to see some homey touches in such a sterile enviroment :) She is on her tummy now. She likes it so much better and it gives her lungs more space. I can't wait to kiss on her again!

Ok, I think we are turning a corner. This morning she is doing good. We haven't had any episodes with her not breathing for 48 hours. That is the longest she has gone. She acts up a little bit when they have to move her for an xray, but her heart rate and saturation don't plummet like they used to. Her biggest problem is her little lungs. They are very very sick. The left one is collapsed and so is most of the right one. Poor baby.

On Sunday evening, they started prepping her for a procedure we felt very uneasy about. They had mentioned it to us that morning, but they way it was worded sounded like a longs ways off. It is a procedure called EMLS in which they carry the blood outside of the body, circulate it and oxygenate it so that the lungs can heal. Since Dave and I felt unsure about this procedure that carries a lot of risk, we both knew it was not something we wanted done to Sophie. That morning they made it seem like that was something in the distant future, so that was why it was so bothersome to see all these preparations being made later that day. They wanted to make sure she was ready just in case, yet we felt strongly that she wasn't that sick. We knew we had to turn it over to the Lord. Completely over to the Lord. Our prayers became even more fervent. We asked the Bishop to give her a blessing. Dave and I both received blessings. Our faith was put to the test even more so now than before. We decided to have a fast for Sophie. Our family, ward family and friends joined us. We knew the Lord would buoy us up, we just had to have faith. That night was a good night. The next day was a good day and the doctor said that she was making progress. This morning she said she is no longer a candidate for that EMLS procedure because her tests are coming back showing definite improvement. The Lord heard our prayers. He continues to hear them . Is'nt that wonderful?

Thank you all for your prayers. Please keep Sophie in them daily. She still is so sick. Thank you for all the help we have received. What would we do without the relief society? We have had dinners brought in nightly and it has been so wonderful. We can feel all the love for our little Sophie, and I can never express how much it means to us. Below is a picture of Sophie's room. My SIL Stacey took a bunch of pictures of Sophie when she was four weeks. She sent them to me and I put them up. We also have get well signs up. Feel free to send one her way and I will put it up. It makes me smile. Ok, that is the update :)

Spencer Levi Schramm

2009-05-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

My Dreamboat turned 7 today. I cannot believe Spencer is 7. Spencer is such a wonderful boy. He has a heart of gold. He is so patient with others, is kind and very fair and loves to fix things. He loves his family and has promised that when he gets married he will come visit me on every birthday and holiday because he is gonna miss me so much. I love that! Happy Birthday Spencer.

Litttle Miss Sophie-An Update

2009-05-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

It has been a week now in the PICU. No fun.

They do daily xrays of her lungs and they still look bad. The top of both lungs are collapsed and the left one is so congested that she is only using the bottom part of her right one. That explains why when she has these bronchiospasms they can't get oxygen to her very well. The other night she had one of these spasms (she's been having them about 4 times a day) her heart rate dropped to 50 and the oxygen level to 0. They had to perform CPR again :( THe good news was that they didn't have to use meds to get her going only CPR. When all of this happened there were at least 30 people running to her room to help within seconds. They have been taking such good care of her at UC Davis Children's Hospital. She definitely keeps everyone on their toes!

Last night she had another episode and now they are trying to figure out why there has been no improvement at all in the clearing up of her lungs....baterial infection....viral....they are trying hard to get to the bottom of this. They switched her to a different breathing machine that helps to keep her lungs open and gives her a break from working so hard. That has helped. Dave and I can't take much more of these episodes where she can't breathe. Hopefully today they will have some good answers for us. Pray for those little lungs to clear up.

Ok I wrote this this morning but it wouldn't publish so now I am adding a little update. All day today she has been good. Only one little episode but she recovered on her own. She is less puffy today and looking more like her beautiful self. Maybe I will take a new picture of her. Thanks for all your sweet prayers. They mean so much to Dave and I.

Super Quick Update

2009-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to call everyone with an update, especially when I am so drained. So I thought I'd do it here.

Monday 5/11 she had a pretty good day.

Tuesday 5/13 was not so good. She had a few episodes where she was not able to breathe again. Her IV also closed up so they spent most of Tuesday finding another vein. Luckily they found access thru a vein on her head. Very sad looking :( They were able to do a pik line in her arm which was good news (they weren't able to get one previously). It is so important to have quick access to her and that is what the pik line gives them.

Wednesday 5/14 is so far not great. She had another episode early this morning where she couldn't breathe. She also has a rash on her chest which is a sure sign of a virus. We don't know if it is just a horrible virus or a viral infection on top of the pertussis. I don't know when they will know.

I am so thankful for all your prayers. Keep them coming. My sweet Sophie needs them :) I miss holding her so much.

My Sweet Sophie

2009-05-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

I don't think I can tell the whole story again, so here it is in writing. On Friday May 8, 2009 Sophie stopped breathing. THANK THE LORD that Dave and I were both home or else we would not have her with us. I had just got out of the shower when Dave pounded on the door yelling "Caryn, Caryn, Sophie stopped breathing!" I grabbed her and screamed, "Sophie! Sophie, wake up!!" Nothing. Dave dialed 911 and I was screaming hysterically, "Sophie! Sophie!" Dave handed me the phone and took Sophie. The dispatcher told me to calm down and listen carefully. She walked us thru the steps of cpr (2 breaths, 30 pushes) He did one round...still nothing. The dispatcher said to repeat it until the ambulance came. I made sure he had it down, threw on a shirt, grabbed Bridgete's hand (she had witnessed everything that was happening) and ran her over to the neighbors. All the while I am pleading with the Lord to not take our baby girl. Bridgete went willingly with her big brown eyes staring at me. I managed to reassure her that everything will be ok; when I myself was not even sure. THe police arrived while I was doing this. It seemed like eternity for the fire department and ambulance to show up (in reality it took three minutes). Eventually they came and ran as fast as they could inside. The police said, "Maybe you should stay outside while they work on her." I did and pleaded and begged with the Lord for Sophie's life I was sobbing and shaking uncontrollably. Soon, a big police officer came out and said, "She is breathing and she is going to be fine." I hugged him and said, "thank you." I stayed on the porch while they rushed her to the ambulance. I ran inside and grabbed some shoes and rode with them. I heard her cry and it was the sweetest sound EVER! We got to the hospital and they were able to stabilize her. She was tranfered two hours later to UC Davis Pediatric ICU. They are incredible there. I am so so thankful for the medical advances of today. Without them, she would not have made it.

They are suspecting Pertussis is what she has. They said she would be in there for 10-14 days. Today she is doing better (Monday the 11th). She would stop breathing but today she hasn't done that,so that is a good sign. She is real puffy from all the stuff in her system but she is still so cute. There are so many other things to tell, but I can't go into every detail. The important thing is that she is here.

Thank you for all your prayers and love and support. Our families have been wonderful and so has our ward family and friends and neighbors. It means so much to us. I thank the Lord that she is here with us. We love her so much. Still keep her in your prayers. I will try to get back here soon with an update.

It just Warms my Heart

2009-04-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

when my kids stand up for what is right. Spencer told me a story yesterday that made me so so proud!!!

He got invited to a birthday party that was taking place on Sunday. (I don't understand why people have parties on the Sabbath.) Spencer came home and told me about it and said, "Mom, this is a really hard decision for me to make, but I know I should go to church and not to the party even though it will be really fun." Killin me, boy! So I called and explained that he couldn't go because we like to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Yesterday in the car I asked him if he told his friend why he didn't go to his party.

This was the conversation a couple of first graders had:

Spencer said, "I can't go to your party because it is on Sunday and I have to go to church." His friend said, "I know, but my party is after church." Spencer said, (this is the part I love) "I know, but if I went I wouldn't be keeping the Sabbath Day holy." I asked him what his friend said after that....nothing; they just went and played tag.

Needless to say, my heart was bursting with pride for my 6 1/2 year old's son's righteous decision. Those are the moments that warm your heart and let you know that you are raising honorable, good children.

update on the family

2009-04-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

First, today is my birthday. I can't believe I am 35. When did that happen?

So, today I have spent my morning at the doctor's with Sophie. She has been very congested the past few days, so I thought I should get her checked out. She has bronchitis. She had a breathing treatment done there which helped a bit, but we need to continue to due them at home. Poor baby. She is so stinkin sweet! She had her one month check on Monday. She now weighs 10.9 lbs and is 21 1/4 inches long.

Here is a picture the kids (minus Sophie) on Easter. What a handsome bunch, if I do say so myself :)

Last weekend, we had a special visit from Adam and Stacey and their kids. We love when they come to visit and the kids play great together (especially these two: Owen and Spencer).

I think ALL men love to hold newborn sleepy babies. It totally justifies a nap since the baby is napping. I have yet to see a man stay awake for very long when holding a warm, cozy newborn baby. Adam was so cute with her. It is funny to see your baby brother be so great with a baby. Stacey, he had a look in his eye, so watch out :)

Dave and Adam planting a plum tree.

We have been doing good here. It feels like someone has been sick in our house for the past month. Evan had pneumonia, Filippo had bronchitis, Spencer has asthma, my darling hubby has been coughing for three weeks (he refuses to go to the doctor...just like a man!) and now Sophie. Yuck! If you take away all of that, we have been perfect!

More of Sophie

2009-04-06T16:20:00.001-07:00

Ok, I realize my blog has been about Sophie for the past two weeks...What can I say....I just love her little face. My Aunt Pepper and Uncle Dick sent this bear rug to Sophie. It is the softest thing I have ever felt. She loves to lay on it.

This is her little pucker lip face.

And her she is....everyday she gets more and more bright-eyed. I cannot believe it has been over two weeks since she was born. Time really does fly.

Sophie's First Bath and an Ode to Grammy

2009-03-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sophie loved her first bath. It is always so nice when that stinky umbilical cord stump falls off! My mom was happy to be here to help with her first bath. Spencer and Bridgete washed her feet...they thought that was really neat :)

I love this little face!

Sleeping with Daddy.

My mom left Saturday...sniff sniff. It was SO nice having her here. She was so great and helpful and understanding (as only a mom could be). Thank you so much mom for all your love and support. Sophie misses cuddling up to you. Filippo misses your movie nights. Tucker misses your attention. We all miss your wonderful cooking skills. And I miss you :)

I love you and am so thankful for you!

Sophie:) Five Days Old

2009-03-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

The day Sophie arrived

2009-03-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, I only read other birth stories if I am preggo or just had a baby. Other than that, I am like...whatever. So read, don't read, it is up to you :) I just wanted to write it down before it is a faint memory.

March 19, 2009

1:30 am....wake up to use the bathroom...hmmmm back is hurting in a different way.

2:30 am....back is real achy every 10 minutes. Come to think of it so is my stomach. Decide to pack my bag. Could it be? Try to go back to sleep just in case this is the day.

4:30 am....bathroom again...bye bye plug.

5:00 am....wake Dave up to tell him what has been going on. I tell him I think it is real, but apologize just in case it isn't. I am sorry he has to reschedule all his patients.

7:00 am....take a shower. Contractions 5 minutes apart.

Take a slow walk outside.

8:00 am....wake up my mom and tell her, today is the day. I have never seen her jump so high.

9:00 am....take a bath. Back is killing me more than anything else. Try to relax.

10:00 am....Tell the kids their baby sister is coming today.

10:05 am....Have to explain to Spencer and Bridgete that it takes longer than 5 minutes. They don't get it and continue to ask when she is getting here. Try to be patient with them as contractions get 3 minutes apart. They watch me in pain and it scares them. I feel bad...but I feel worse for me!

11:00 am....contractions 2 minutes apart. Dave had everything loaded early in the morning. He is anxious to go. We walk just a bit more...until I can't walk.

11:30 am....leave for the hospital.

12:00 get an ultrasound...my belly looked odd shaped and they were concerned she was breech. Panic a bit, but turns out she was laying profile. Understand why my back feels so so horrible. Get checked...5 centimeters. Get changed and settled in our room.

1:00 pm Trying my best to stay relaxed as contractions get stronger and stronger. Mentally, I am losing focus. I am done and tired after 12 hours already. All my plans for a natural birth are dwindling and an epidural for my back labor sounds really good :) Dave and my mom support my decision. I am happy to have some relief!

1:30 pm....get an epidural. Scary process, but my nurse was so great during the process. Doctor checks me and I am at an eight.

2:00 pm....actually talk to my mom and Dave and the nurse and doctor. Up until then I don't think I said more than two sentences to Dave. They all are happy to talk to me and see me smile :)

3:15 pm....feel sensation down there. Can tell something is going on. Get checked...10 centimeters and we are ready to go.

3:27 pm....After three contractions and pushing, she is here! Dave said the cord was wrapped all around her(neck, an arm and a leg:) I could feel her slide out, but that was it. I have never experienced that before. It was very tender and I was crying just minutes before she came out. So was Dave, and the nurse, too. It was very calm and gentle and beautiful. They put her on my chest and I noticed her chubby little thighs and dark head of hair. Sophie is here.

What an amazing thing motherhood is. I love knowing that just seconds ago, she was saying goodbye to all her friends and family in heaven. We are so blessed to have here come to our family...she has been very patient:)